Members of Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces met on Wednesday with the head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Shenouda III.
Observers believe the visit was an attempt to reassure the Christian minority and dispel rumors that Muslim hardliners will target women of both faiths who are immodestly dressed.
The meeting addressed the church's important role in preserving stability amid unrest, as well as reinforcing national unity between Muslims and Christians, state news agency MENA said.
Shenouda, according to MENA, called for peace and cordiality between all Egyptians.
Local media have reported that Salafi Muslims are involved in online campaigns urging the targeting of Christian and Muslim women who are dressed in a way they deem inappropriate. But Salafis officially denied the reports.
On Tuesday, Pope Shenouda met with members of the ecclesiastical council to discuss the influence of the Salafi movement and the threats faced by Copts. He also discussed the Salafi campaign against Christian women.
