Any kind of support Al-Qaeda had among Egyptians was withered by the terror group's recent attack on a church that killed dozens of worshippers, Pope Shenouda III, the leader of Egypt's Christian Coptic church, has said.

"Al-Qaeda's threats on Christians and on the Church reinforce Egyptian's sympathy for us," he said.

The religious leader has received supportive messages from political, religious and intellectual figures including Ahmad el-Tayeb, Sheikh of Egypt's prestigious Al-Azhar University.

"Numerous people have sent their solidarity, particularly politicians and Islamic religious leaders," the Coptic pontiff said.

Following Sunday's attack on a Baghdad church that killed at least 52 people, Al-Qaeda said it would target Middle Eastern Christians and singled out those in Egypt.

Al-Arab Online