Pope Tawadros II, the Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, has addressed adoring followers at an event in Sydney's west.
The pope, touring Australia for the first time since being ordained in 2012, arrived at Rose Hill Gardens to a throng of music and cheers.
The event was attended by several Australian politicians, including NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian who praised the state's Coptic community and said she was "humbled and inspired" by the pope's visit.
"The Coptic community shares a special place in NSW," the premier said.
At a seated gala event, the pope was at points mobbed by Copts eager to get a selfie with the church leader as he ate his dinner.
Pope Tawadros was apprehensive to weigh in on Australia's refugee intake, including Coptic Christians from Egypt.
"I think that the decision of migration from Egypt to any country is an individual, personal decision for the families," the pope told AAP.
He will continue on to Canberra during his tour of Australia, which has included a stop in Melbourne.
