"Peace is also built starting from the alliance between God and man, founded on the alliance between men," he said, explaining that this is a law which can be summed up in the two commandments of love of God and neighbor.
Francis then said this same foundation is also the basis of building "the social and civic order, in which all citizens of every culture, origin and religion are called to participate."
Because of "the great historic and religious patrimony" of Egypt and its role in the Middle East, the country has "a peculiar task on the path toward a stable and lasting peace, which does not rely on the law of force, but the force of the law."
Turning to his encounter with Egypt's Christian community, the Pope said that Christians in Egypt, as in every other nation, "are called to be the leaven of brotherhood," which is only possible if they are in communion with Christ.
Recalling how he signed a joint-declaration with Patriarch Tawadros, Francis said the two renewed their commitment to finding a shared baptism, and prayed together for the "the martyrs" who have died in recent attacks on the Coptic community.
"Their blood fertilized that ecumenical encounter," he said, noting that in addition to himself and Tawadros, Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople was also present.
Francis then pointed to the Mass he celebrated with Egyptian Catholics, calling it a celebration of "faith and fraternity," in which the presence of the Risen Lord was truly felt.
He also recalled his meeting with the priests, religious and seminarians of Egypt, saying he saw in them "the beauty of the Church in Egypt," and could pray with them for all Christians in the Middle East, that "they be salt and light in that land, in the midst of that people."
Speaking off-the-cuff, he noted that Egypt has "a lot of seminarians," which he said is "a consolation."
He closed by offering his thanks and praying that the Holy Family of Nazareth, who "emigrated on the banks of the Nile to avoid the violence of Herod," would always bless and protect the Egyptian people, "and guide them on the path of prosperity, fraternity and peace."
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.