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A blindfolded boy - one of 12 shortlisted children - then drew out the name of Bishop Tawadros, who until now was an aide to the acting leader, Bishop Pachomius.

Bishop Pachomius then took the ballot from the boy's hand and showed it to all those gathered in the cathedral.

The Church's acting leader, Bishop Pachomius, showed the name - written in Arabic - to all those in the cathedral.

Some 2,400 clergymen, community leaders and key Egyptian Coptic figures - including the caretaker Pope Bishop Pachomius - are voting for their new leader.

Bishop Pachomius, acting head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, offers incense during Mass at Abassaiya Cathedral in Cairo, marking the end of three days of nationwide prayers and fasting for the new pope, who will be chosen on 2 December.