Egypt’s Coptic Christians have long faced difficulties living among a large Muslim majority. And their suffering reportedly increased following the “Arab Spring,” when the Muslim Brotherhood seized power. But it was difficult to get accurate information on the community’s situation.

To help gain a clearer picture, Israel Today spoke with Father Mario Alexis Portella, who works in the Vatican as priest of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Florence. Father Mario has visited Egypt numerous times and is well aware of the conditions faced by Christians there.

Israel Today: Egypt gave birth to the Muslim Brotherhood, and even though the group has been banned by the current government, Islamists are still very active there. How can Christians survive in such an environment?

Father Mario: Coptic Christians are able to survive even in a place where they are persecuted by Islamists because of their deep and profound faith in Christ. As one of the oldest churches of the world, the Copts have stood resilient and faithful to...