Pope visits Cyprus’ Maronite Cathedral
(June 7, 2010) The last appointment of Pope Benedict XVI before flying out of Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, was a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces in Nicosia belonging to the Maronite-rite Catholics. Assuring the "ancient" community of his closeness, "moved by a father's care," the Holy Father urged the Maronite community to treasure the "great inheritance" of their Christian heritage. Reminded of St. Peter's words that Christians are living stones used to build the spiritual house, the Pope said that "together with Christians throughout the world, we are part of that great temple which is the Mystical Body of Christ." An Eastern-rite Church in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church, the Maroninte Church traces its origin to early 5th century. Its current head is Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, Cardinal Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, with his headquarters in Bkerké, north of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Pope Benedict encouraged Maronites to be proud of their traditions while remaining in communion with the Universal Church.
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