A GLOBAL religious leader has visited Hove as part of his first ever visit to the UK.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II visited the city’s thriving Coptic community on Monday as part of his historic visit.

The visit by the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church comes just days after his historic meeting with Pope Francis in Egypt - where Coptic Christians have been the victim of religious persecution.

City figures have spoken of their honour in meeting the leader who was enthroned as the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Pope of the See of St. Mark in 2012.

Hove parliamentary candidates Peter Kyle and Kristy Adams, Cllr Robert Nemeth, Northern Ireland secretary James Brockenshire and former minister Alistair Burt were among 1,000 people who attended the special ceremony at St Mary and St Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church in Davigdor Road, Hove.

Pope Taward has been visiting Coptic parishes across the country, officiating at liturgical services and performing several consecrations, while also meeting with parishioners.

Brighton and Hove has one of the biggest Coptic communities in the country with more than 7,000 members.

Cllr Nemeth said: “It’s always a pleasure to visit the Coptic Church and on this occasion it was particularly special as Kristy Adams and I were able to meet the Pope - a man who means so much to millions around the world.

“He has a great sense of humour and a hugely welcoming manner. It’s easy to see why he is loved by so many.”

Mr Kyle said the visit was a hugely important moment for the Hove community.

He said: “The Coptic community are a key part of the fabric of life here. It was a real honour to be able to celebrate alongside them tonight as the pope visited.

“The congregation was totally ecstatic when the pope entered the church, the sheer delight his presence brought was undeniable.

“The pope kindly presented me with a commemorative medallion of his visit which now sits pride of place in my lounge.”

Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, said: “This is a historic visit, not only of the 118th Pope of Alexandria to the United Kingdom, but more personally for His Holiness Pope Tawadros, as his first engagement with his flock across Britain.”