(20 Mar 2012) 1. Wide of the main Orthodox Coptic Christian cathedral in Cairo
2. Thousands of people outside the church trying to get in to memorial service for Pope Shenouda III
3. Mid of man holding up a picture of Shenouda
4. Mid of people standing in queues and holding invitations
5. Wide of people standing in front of the cathedral
6. Close of military police security cordon
7. Mid of three priests on their way to memorial service
8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mayane Saad, mourner:
"That's the least I can offer to him, I know that he is in a better place and that he is praying for us, we miss him."
9. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Hany Soliman, mourner:
"I would like to give my condolences to all the Egyptians and we will miss him but he remains in our hearts."
10. Mid of policemen in riot gear near entrance to cathedral
11. Mid of queue flanked by line police
12. Close of men in queue
13. Wide of military police overseeing people waiting to attend the memorial service
STORYLINE:
Thousands of Christians lined up outside the main Coptic cathedral in Cairo on Tuesday to pay their final respects at a memorial service to Pope Shenouda III, who died on Saturday.
Outside the cathedral, snaking queues of people clutching their invitations stood under the watch of military policemen, some in full riot gear.
The grief of the faithful waiting to commemorate the life of Pope Shenouda III, who died aged 88, may also reflect the uncertainty felt by the country's Christian minority following the recent rise of Islamists to power.
With his death, Egypt's 10 (m) million Christians have lost a seasoned protector at a difficult time.
"I know that he is in a better place and that he is praying for us, we miss him," said mourner, Mayane Saad as she waited to enter the cathedral.
The Pope will be buried after the memorial service.
A large security force backed by armoured personnel carriers deployed outside the cathedral, possibly as a deterrent to potential attacks by militant Muslims looking to target the large number of Christians gathered.
Shenouda's death could lead to a long power vacuum as it may take months before a successor is found, according to a church insider.
During his 40 years as patriarch, Shenouda strove to ensure his place among the main players in a predominantly Muslim nation, pressing demands behind the scenes while keeping Christians' anger over violence and discrimination in check.
It was a delicate balancing act undertaken for years by a man who kept a relatively high media profile during most of the past four decades.
He frequently gave interviews and spoke on key domestic and regional developments, never allowing himself to show anger at times of crisis.
Shenouda supported President Hosni Mubarak during the 29 years he ruled until his departure from office 13 months ago in a popular uprising.
In return, Mubarak gave him and his church wide powers in the Christian community.
"Baba Shenouda," or Father Shenouda, as he was known, came to be viewed by many Copts as their guardian.
A charismatic leader, his sense of humour belied a deeply conservative doctrine that angered liberals within the church as well as young secular-minded Copts seeking a more assertive role and inclusive identity in society.
Despite denials by the authorities, Christians say discrimination is practiced in numerous and subtle ways against them.
The Islamist-dominated parliament only has a handful of Christians, and there are never more than one or two among 30-plus Cabinet ministers.

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