Pope begins Cyprus visit

(June 4, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI on Friday wished that the membership of Cyprus in the European Community will lead to mutual spiritual and cultural enrichment and help resolve its “remaining concerns”. Pope Benedict made the remark after landing in Cyprus, where he is on a 3-day pastoral visit to release the working document of the Special Synod of Bishops for the Middle East scheduled for October this year in Rome. Cypriot president, Demetris Christofias, and Church authorities offered the Pope a state welcome at Paphos airport. Pope Benedict noted the strategic importance of Cyprus at the crossroads of cultures, religions and ancient histories which, he said, still retain a strong and visible impact upon the life of the country. He said that with its recent entry into the EU, “Cyprus is beginning to witness the benefit of closer economic and political ties with other European states.” He said, “It is greatly to be hoped that membership will lead to prosperity at home and that other Europeans in their turn will be enriched by your spiritual and cultural heritage which reflects your historical role, standing between Europe, Asia and Africa.” Cyprus, the Mediterranean island divided between ethnic Turks in the north and Greeks in the south, is viewed by the Vatican as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. The Pope wished that their desire to live in harmony with their neighbours inspire them to patiently resolve the remaining concerns that they share with the international community for the future of their island. During his visit which concludes on Sunday, the Pope wished to meet the various Cypriot religious leaders to strengthen their common bonds and to reiterate the need to build up mutual trust and lasting friendship between all those who worship the one God. Pope Benedict said he was in Cyprus especially to confirm the faith of the Catholics to encourage them to be both exemplary Christians and exemplary citizens, and to play a full role in society, to the benefit of both Church and state. “Cyprus is thus an appropriate place in which to launch… our solidarity with all the Christians of the region and our conviction that they have an irreplaceable role to play in peace and reconciliation among its peoples,” the Pope added.