Pope in Cyprus: step forward in Ecumenical Dialogue and the search for peace in the Middle East

(June 03, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI is starting his first visit to Cyprus on Friday 4^th of June, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos and President Christofias. There the Pope is to meet the faithful belonging to the Maronite Catholic Church and Armenian Latin rite Church and deliver to the bishops of the region “Ιnstrumentum laboris”, the working document for the synod of bishops dedicated to the Middle East to be held in October in Rome. The director of the Vatican Press Office and Vatican Radio, Father Federico Lombardi has termed it a visit of great importance. This is the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI to a majority Christian Orthodox country. Cyprus is not only a crossroads, said Father Lombardi, a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, but was also a very important land in the life of the early Christian community and for centuries has been linked to the Holy Land. He also added that the trip will be characterized by signs of fraternal friendship in the common commitment to seek full unity among all Christians, as both churches are committed to ecumenical dialogue. Father Lombardi stressed the choice of Cyprus to present the preparatory document of the Synod of Bishops of the Middle East is a clear sign that the Pope considers Cyprus a privileged meeting point for Christians of the region and all inhabitants. Father Lombardi added that Pope Benedict XVI’s message is above all one of peace and prosperity for the people of Cyprus, and the desire for a definitive peaceful solution to the painful situation that exists today. Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostom said that all Orthodox Churches recognize the Church of Rome as a sister Church and thus its leader, the pope. "The will of God consists in loving your enemy, and more so your brothers."