His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Shepherd of the global Coptic Church — a man of deep humility, spiritual wisdom, and unwavering faith.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
118th Pope of Alexandria
Papal Profile
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II is the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark — the successor of a line of apostolic succession stretching directly back to the Evangelist Saint Mark himself. He was enthroned on November 18, 2012, selected by the ancient Coptic tradition of a blindfolded child drawing the chosen name from a chalice — an act of complete surrender to God's will.
Born Wagih Sobhy Baqi Suleiman on November 4, 1952, in Mansoura, Egypt, His Holiness received a university education in pharmacology before feeling God's call to the monastic life. He entered the Monastery of Anba Bishoy in Wadi El Natrun and was ordained a monk in 1985, taking the name Father Tawadros. His spiritual depth, intellectual gifts, and pastoral love led to his eventual elevation as Bishop of Beheira in 1997, and then — through God's providence — as Pope in 2012.
His Holiness is known for his extraordinary humility, his gift for clear and accessible theological teaching, and his warm personal engagement with Copts around the world. He travels extensively to visit diaspora communities, celebrate the Holy Liturgy, and strengthen the global Coptic family in their faith and identity.
Under Pope Tawadros II's papacy, the Coptic Church has engaged meaningfully in ecumenical dialogue, social service, and global mission — while remaining firmly rooted in the apostolic tradition handed down from Saint Mark. For the Saint Mark community in Prosper, TX, he is our Holy Father: the shepherd of shepherds, the living successor of the apostolic seat of Alexandria.
A Word from His Holiness
"The Cross is not just a symbol — it is the way of life. Every time we carry our cross with Christ, we proclaim the Gospel more powerfully than any words could express."
— His Holiness Pope Tawadros IIRooted in the Apostolic Succession
At Saint Mark in Prosper, TX, we are blessed to belong to the Church led by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II — a Church founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist and alive with faith for over 2,000 years.