Security forces intensified their security measures around churches as Coptic Christians in Egypt prepared for Easter celebrations. The Al-Azhar took part in the celebrations, underlining coexistence and brotherhood in the country and criticizing the exploitation of religion in fueling wars and conflicts. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli sent a cable to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Marks Diocese on Saturday, in which he promoted peace among Egyptians. Pope Tawadros led the Easter Mass at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassiya in eastern Cairo. A representative of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and several ministers, ambassadors, statesmen, lawmakers and public figures attended the event. An Azhar source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the amicable and mutual visits between Muslims and Christians stem from the guidelines of Islam. The source added that Azhar teaches its students that “all Abrahamic religions have one divine source and all prophets are brothers.” Pope Tawadros received on Saturday Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, along with Minister of Religious Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa and Grand Mufti Shawki Allam who congratulated him on the Easter holiday. Tayyeb stressed that Egypt’s values of coexistence reflect the real meanings of religions that have brought peace to their followers. Religions, however, are being abused to fuel wars and conflicts around the world, he said, referring to recent deadly attacks targeting mosques and churches in New Zealand and Sri Lanka respectively. In 2017, two bloody attacks targeted two churches in Tanta and Alexandria that left 160 people dead and injured. ISIS claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks.