Pope in Cyprus : The Cross, Symbol of Victory of Non Violence
(05 Jun 10 – RV) Pope Benedict spoke about the importance of the Cross on Saturday
evening, not just for Christians, but for the entire world.
The Holy Father
was speaking in the small church of the Holy Cross, nestled in the buffer-zone of
Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. The Pope was celebrating Mass for Catholic
priests, religious, catechists and members of lay movements on the predominantly Orthodox
island.
The Pope told them that with the Cross, the power of evil was destroyed
by the power of self-sacrificing love.
He said “That is why the world needs
the Cross. The Cross is not just a private symbol of devotion, it is not just a badge
of membership of a certain group within society, and in its deepest meaning it has
nothing to do with the imposition of a creed or a philosophy by force. It speaks
of hope, it speaks of love, it speaks of the victory of non-violence over oppression,
it speaks of God raising up the lowly, empowering the weak, conquering division, and
overcoming hatred with love. A world without the Cross would be a world without hope,
a world in which torture and brutality would go unchecked, the weak would be exploited
and greed would have the final word”.
The Mass was the final event on the
Pope’s second day of his apostolic voyage to Cyprus. He also spoke to the priests
gathered about the incredible grace that has been given them, and reminded them it
was undeserved.
“As we reflect on our shortcomings, individually and collectively,
let us humbly acknowledge that we have merited the punishment that he, the innocent
Lamb, suffered on our behalf. And if, in accordance with what we have deserved, we
should have some share in Christ’s sufferings, let us rejoice because we will enjoy
a much greater gladness when his glory is revealed.”
Pope Benedict made special
mention of the priests and religious of the Middle East, whom he says are currently
experiencing a particular call to conform their lives to the mystery of the Lord’s
Cross.
He said through the difficulties facing their communities as a result
of the conflicts and tensions of the region, many families are taking the decision
to move away, and it can be tempting for their pastors to do likewise. He commended
their decision to stay:
“Their presence alone is an eloquent expression of
the Gospel of peace, the determination of the Good Shepherd to care for all the sheep,
the Church’s unyielding commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and loving acceptance
of the other. By embracing the Cross that is held out to them, the priests and religious
of the Middle East can truly radiate the hope that lies at the heart of the mystery
we are celebrating in our liturgy today”.
One interesting encounter happened
on the way to the Mass. The Pope met with Shaykh Muhammad Nazim Adil Al-Haqqain,
a leading Sufi Muslim leader from Nothern Cyprus. He lives near the Church in the
Turkish part of Nicosia. The two men met, and both mentioned how old they were, since
they are both in their 80s.
The two men exchanged gifts and embraced, and then
the Pope proceeded to Mass.