Egyptian officers attacked near St. Catherine's Monastery - Pope Francis' papal visit is not deterred

Pope Francis intends to visit Egypt despite an increase of violence througout the country.

Egyptian officers were attacked at a checkpoint near St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Men opened fire on the officers located at the checkpoint and started a shooting spree.

One officer was killed, and four others were wounded during the attack, which was later claimed by ISIS.

According to Egypt's Interior Ministry's Facebook page, the gunmen opened fire on the checkpoint with small arms, then fled when Egyptian security forces began firing back.

The wounded officers were taken to a hospital at a nearby Red Sea resort, but there are currently no updates on their condition.

Other churches in the country have been targeted, with the most recent being two churches, one in Alexandria and the other in Tanta, both occurring on Palm Sunday.

It was during these attacks that ISIS suicide bombers killed 45 men, women and children.

Egypt's President el-Sissi declared a three-month state of emergency and deployed armed forces to churches, heritage sites and other historical or important locations across the country.

Tensions remain high in Egypt as it prepares to host Pope Francis' papal visit April 28-29.

The Pontiff is well aware of the violence spreading through the country but is adamant about visiting and promoting Jesus' message of peace and hope.

He will participate in a message of peace and promote unity among Egypt's people during his visit.

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