The Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria is the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which has about 12-18 million members worldwide, including about 10-14 million in Egypt. The 117th holder of this position was Pope Shenouda III who died on March 17, 2012. On November 4, 2012, the Coptic Church elected their new pope, Pope Theodoros II. Metropolitan Pachomios, Metropolitan of Beheira and Pentapolis, was chosen as chair of the Holy Synod and to act as Locum tenens (caretaker) until the election and consecration of a new Pope.[1]
Following the traditions of the church, the Pope is chairman and head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria as a first among equals. This organization is the highest authority in the Church of Alexandria. It formulates the rules and regulations regarding matters of the church's organization, faith, and order. The Pope is also the chairman of the church's General Congregation Council.
Although historically associated with the city of Alexandria, the residence and Seat of the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria has been located in Cairo since 1047. The Pope is currently established in Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, in a compound which includes the Patriarchal palace, with an additional residence at the Monastery of Saint Pishoy.
A possible timeline (subject to extension by committees) for the election of the 118th Pope published by Bishop Angaelos suggested enthronement a little more than 151 days after the death of Shenouda III, which was to be in late August 2012.[2] Although the enthronement of the 118th Pope did not take place in August, it was set to take place in November 2012. The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church finalized a list of three candidates who received the highest votes, whose names were put in a glass chalice for a name to be picked by 'Divine Choice' to be the New Patriarch of Alexandria. The name is picked by a blindfolded boy who is believed to be guided by the hand of God.
The liturgy of the Altar Ballot took place on November 4th, 2012, during which the 60 year old Bishop Tawadoros, Auxiliary bishop of Beheira, assistant to Metropolitan Pachomios of Beheira was chosen as the 118th Pope of Alexandria, to be known as Theodoros II. The enthronment took place in Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in 18th November, 2012[3]
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