Who Is Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria? Age, Biography and Wiki
Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria was born on August 3, 1923, and passed away on March 17, 2012. As of 2025, he would have been 102 years old. Serving as the 117th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church, his tenure from 1971 to 2012 significantly influenced Christian life, especially in Egypt. He was known for his theological contributions and efforts in interfaith dialogue.
| Occupation | Cat |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1923 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Abnub, Asyut Governorate, Egypt |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Egypt |
| Date of death | 17 March, 2012 |
| Died Place | Cairo, Egypt |
Popularity
Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific body measurements such as height and weight for Pope Shenouda III are less documented in popular sources, he was recognized for his distinguished appearance and ecclesiastical attire, often seen wearing the traditional black garb of clergy with his characteristic black hat.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Given the ecclesiastical vows of celibacy within the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Shenouda III did not have a wife or girlfriend. His life was dedicated to spiritual service, guiding the Coptic community and advocating moral values within society. His familial ties involved his siblings and other relatives, but specific details about his family were kept private, in line with church tradition.
His official title was Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic Throne of Saint Mark the Evangelist, Father of fathers, Shepherd of shepherds, Successor of Saint Mark, thirteenth among the Apostles, Ecumenical Judge, Beloved of Christ. He was also the head of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
He was known as a conservative figure within the church, and was respected within the Muslim community.
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures for Pope Shenouda III’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, it is known that his role as a religious leader did not yield a personal fortune like many celebrities. Instead, he focused on his ecclesiastical duties, which included pastoral work, community service, and church governance. Pope Shenouda was more concerned about spiritual wealth rather than material gains during his lifetime.
During the night, an estimated one million or more mourners were said to have visited his body at St. Mark's Cathedral, causing traffic jams stretching for kilometres.
The body was taken out of the coffin and lay in a seated position on a ceremonial throne dressed in gold- and red-embroidered vestments, a golden mitre upon his head with a gold-tipped staff in his hand. Many Coptic figures from across the world started to return to the country to pay their respects and work towards the selection of a new pope.
Mourners from across Egypt went to Saint Mark Cathedral in Abbaseya to pay their respects. Bells tolled in Cairo's Abbasiya district, where the primary cathedral of the Coptic Church is located.
So large was the crowd of mourners gathering in Cathedral Square to pay their respects that three were killed and 137 injured in a crush as the queue to view the body of the deceased pope stretched for more than one kilometer. Viewing was cut short after the tragedy, and the cathedral was closed to the public.
Career, Business and Investments
Pope Shenouda III dedicated his life to the church and theological education. Over his 41-year tenure as pope, he was a prolific author and speaker, contributing numerous literary and theological works that addressed contemporary issues within and outside the church. His career was marked by efforts to unify the Coptic community and strengthen the church's presence in international dialogues. Additionally, he was involved in various charitable initiatives aimed at aiding the underprivileged within Egypt.
Roufail graduated from Cairo University with a BA in history in 1947. After graduation, he completed his military service, and began work as a teacher of English, history, and social sciences in a high school in Cairo.
Meanwhile, he attended graduate courses in archaeology and classics at Cairo University, specializing in the History of Ancient Egypt and Islamic Egypt. He worked as a high school teacher by day, and attended classes at the Coptic Theological Seminary by night.
Upon graduation from the seminary in 1949, he was appointed to teach New Testament and Old Testament Studies at the Seminary.. In the same year, he became the editor-in-chief of the Sunday School Monthly Magazine. In 1950, Roufail resigned from secular employment to take up a full-time lecturing position at the seminary.
Social Network
Although Pope Shenouda III passed away in 2012, his influence persists on several social media platforms and through various Coptic Orthodox Church networks. His teachings and writings continue to be shared widely, connecting followers and promoting his enduring legacy. Various official channels and fan pages honor his memory, spreading his messages and contributions to the church and global community.
Political and religious reactions to his death came from across the Egyptian spectrum and internationally. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces issued a statement on Facebook that expressed their wish of "preserving the unity of Egypt and the unity of its social fabric".
It added that with the loss, the country should "consolidate with each other in order to pass with Egypt towards security and stability." Its leader, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, decreed three days of mourning for Christians working for state institutions.
The Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party's Speaker of Parliament Saad Katatni said of Shenouda's death that Egypt had lost "one of its national icons, a man who left a void in the political arena at a critical time." The party also issued a statement signed by the party's chairman Mohamed Morsi that stated Shenouda's life was "a long jour
ney of big contribution in various fields domestically and abroad." Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri's statement read: "I give my sincere condolences to the Coptic brothers home and abroad.
[He was a] national character and a symbol for patriotism and he gained wide respect and appreciation from the Egyptian people." Former Prime Minister Essam Sharaf called Shenouda a "devout clergyman, a good citizen and a valuable leader. ...
His vision was always that Egypt is not the country that we live in; but the country that lives in us." Upcoming presidential candidates also issued statements. Ahmed Shafiq said that his death was a loss to Egypt because he was a "unique religious leader and a distinguished character in the national history.
Coptic church will pass this hard moment because of the great legacy of Pope Shenouda;" Amr Moussa said that Pope Shenouda III was "a great man who was working for the interests of the country.
He was working for Egypt to stand as a unified front against the challenges facing the nation;" and Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh's campaign issued a statement saying that Fotouh had spoken with the church's bishop for youth, Bishop Moussa, to express his condolences to both the Coptic Church and Copts.
Education
Pope Shenouda III was well-educated, having studied at the Coptic Theological Seminary in Cairo before furthering his education in the United States. He earned a degree in theology and later received additional academic qualifications, which equipped him to address complex theological issues and lead the church in a modern context. His educational background played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives and leadership style throughout his papacy.
From the age of 14, Roufail began reading poetry and he wrote many poems himself, especially between 1946 and 1962. By the age of 16, he was active in the Coptic Sunday School movement. He served as a Sunday school teacher, first at Saint Anthony's Church in Shoubra and then at Saint Mary's Church in Mahmasha.
