Monday’s election will determine which three papal candidates out of the remaining five will be part of the Church’s ballot next Sunday, and potentially be selected as the 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The papal selection is the first in 41 years and follows the death of Pope Shenouda III in March. The new pope will take his post at a critical point, as the Church faces a number of internal and external issues.

Photos by Ahmad Al-Malky