Pope receives president of Cyprus

October 26, 2012 - Pope Benedict XVI received president Demetris Christofias of Cyprus on Thursday in the Vatican. Christofias later held talks with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States. A statement by the Holy See’s Press Office said the cordials talks highlighted the good relations that exist between the Holy See and the Republic of Cyprus. They discussed about issues of mutual interest, in particular the importance of dialogue and respect for human rights, including the right to religious freedom. With Cyprus currently holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, the two sides also reviewed the situation in Europe. They expressed hope that initiatives for dialogue and peace between the sides in conflict in the Middle East would achieve a positive outcome with the contribution of the international community.