The status and future of the historic Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai in Egypt remain uncertain, as Egypt and Greece continue negotiations over the appointment of a new archbishop and discussions surrounding a proposed tourist development in the region. This has been reported by Greek and European media.

Saint Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest active Christian monasteries in the world, was founded in the 6th century at the foot of Mount Moses and holds a unique autonomous status. The monastery's recognition by the Egyptian government is of crucial importance, as it is directly tied to its historical privileges, property rights, and autonomy.

According to sources within the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited by Orthodoxia News Agency, Athens and Cairo are engaged in consultations and remain "cautiously optimistic" about a peaceful resolution. However, the final outcome largely depends on the unity of the monastic community, which faced an internal crisis last summer.

The situation has garnered increased attention following a report by the French newspaper Libération, which revealed plans for a large-scale tourism project near Mount Moses. The development of infrastructure and the anticipated influx of tourists could impact the way of life of local Bedouins and the monastery's autonomy, especially since the site is traditionally believed to house the Burning Bush, an important biblical landmark.

The newly elected Archbishop of Sinai, Simeon, who was unanimously chosen by the monastery’s brotherhood, emphasized in a recent interview with To Vima that while the monastery understands the economic significance of tourism for Egypt, any development in the region must be "within reasonable limits" and should not endanger the very existence of monastic life. He expressed hope that negotiations, rather than legal disputes, would lead to a renewal of the monastery’s privileges following a presidential decree.

Earlier, a court in Ismailia issued a ruling that raised doubts about the monastery's property rights. The monastery has appealed this decision to Egypt’s highest court, but representatives stress that the priority remains a diplomatic and political solution to the issue.

Saint Catherine's Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which adds an international dimension to the ongoing discussions. Experts note that finding a balance between national policy, economic development, and the preservation of Sinai's unique spiritual and cultural heritage will be a key challenge in the months ahead.