Pope Tawadros II is the current leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, having been enthroned on November 18, 2012. He succeeded Pope Shenouda III and is the 118th pope in the church's history. Born on November 4, 1952, in Mansoura, Egypt, he studied pharmacy before entering the monastic life. As pope, Tawadros II has focused on strengthening the Coptic community and promoting interfaith dialogue. He has also addressed issues facing Christians in Egypt and the Middle East, advocating for religious freedom and coexistence among different faiths.