Statement from His Grace Bishop Rewis Regarding the Health of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II

With thanksgiving to our gracious Lord, I give thanks, together with the Clergy and Laity of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne, for the successful surgical procedure undertaken by our beloved father, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.

We glorify God for His grace and mercy, through which the surgery was completed successfully, and I pray that the Lord may grant His Holiness a swift recovery and a peaceful, restorative period of convalescence, filled with strength, comfort and peace.

I take this opportunity to express, on behalf of our Diocese, our deep gratitude to His Holiness for his continuous fatherhood, pastoral care and faithful shepherding of the Church. His Holiness’ loving guidance and tireless service remain a source of blessing and reassurance to the faithful in every place.

As a Diocese, we join all Coptic Orthodox faithful across the world in united prayer for the health and well-being of His Holiness, asking that the Lord preserve him in good health and restore him safely to the fullness of his papal ministry.

On the occasion of the glorious Feast of Epiphany, I extend my congratulations to His Holiness and wish him a blessed and joy-filled Feast, praying that the Lord may continue to strengthen and uphold him for many years to come, for the glory of His Holy Name.

In Christ,

+ Bishop Rewis

General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne, and Region of East Asia

Saturday 17 January 2026

Official Statement from the Coptic Media Centre

English Translation:

“And as many as touched it were made perfectly well” (Matthew 14:36)

As part of the medical follow-up being undertaken by H.H. Pope Tawadros II, and following several tests and investigations, His Holiness’ condition required surgical intervention on one of the kidneys. By the grace of God, the procedure was completed with full success.

Pope Tawadros is currently spending several days in a hospital in Austria for clinical monitoring. Thereafter, His Holiness is scheduled to spend a period of convalescence at Saint Anthony’s Monastery in Austria.

We thank the Lord for the health of our father, H.H. Pope Tawadros II, and we pray together that the Lord may restore him safely and in good health to the homeland.We also extend our greetings to you all on the occasion of the Glorious Feast of Epiphany.

Friday, 16 January 2026 | 8 Toba 1742 A.M.