Pope Meets President and Orthodox Archbishop of Cyprus

(5 June 10 - RV) After arriving in the coastal city of Paphos on Friday, Pope Benedict on Saturday spent the first full day of his Apostolic visit to Cyprus in the capital, Nicosia.

The day began with a courtesy visit to the President of Cyprus, Demetrius Christofias. During his visit, the President said the country was experiencing the painful military occupation of more than 36 percent of its territory, with Nicosia remaining the last divided European capital.

He recalled the prayer for peace the Pope made in the Holy Land, which is also divided by walls, and asked this prayer for peace soon be fulfilled in the case of Cyprus as well.

The President said he was seeking a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, with a goal of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality for the two communities.

The Pope then enjoyed a performance by the Cyprus Young String Soloists before speaking about the importance of integrity in public service to a group of civil authorities and diplomats gathered at the Presidential Palace.

At a personal level, you as public servants know the importance of truth, integrity and respect in your relationships with others. Personal relationships are often the first steps towards building trust and – in due course – solid bonds of friendship between individuals, peoples and nations. This is an essential part of your role, both as politicians and diplomats.

The Pope urged governments to enact laws in accordance to the principle of natural law.

An appeal to the latter was once considered self-evident, but the tide of positivism in contemporary legal theory requires the restatement of this important axiom. Individuals, communities and states, without guidance from objectively moral truths, would become selfish and unscrupulous and the world a more dangerous place to live. On the other hand, by being respectful of the rights of persons and peoples we protect and promote human dignity. When the policies we support are enacted in harmony with the natural law proper to our common humanity, then our actions become more sound and conducive to an environment of understanding, justice and peace.

After his meeting with the civil authorities, the Pope went to the Maronite school of St. Maron. There in the school’s athletic grounds, he met with the Catholic Community of Cyprus. Most of the Catholics are Maronites, who arrived on the island in the 12th century, and Pope Benedict was welcomed by their Archbishop, Youssef Soueif.

“These are the values of the island: Multiculturalism and Dialogue of life, despite the difficulties of some periods which we must take lessons. The choice must be openness and dialogue, respecting the particularities and based on love in truth; Thus, “you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Welcome Your Holiness; thank you for being with us; May you bless your church and all the people of who are glad of your presesnce.”

The Pope made a special appeal to the small Church on the island, saying they are in a unique position to benefit all of Cypriot society.

Dear brothers and sisters, given your unique circumstances, I would also like to draw your attention to an essential part of our Church’s life and mission, namely the search for greater unity in charity with other Christians and dialogue with those who are not Christians.

The meeting with the Pope was a celebration of Maronite culture with songs and dancing. The majority of the Maronites are from villages currently under Turkish occupation. Pope Benedict had special words for these displaced people.

In a special way, I wish to consign this message to those present who come from Kormákiti, Asómatos, Karpásha and Aía Marina.  I know of your desires and sufferings, and so I ask you to carry my blessing, my closeness and my affection to all who come from your villages.  We Christians are a people of hope.  For my part, I fervently hope and pray that, with the commitment and good will of those concerned, a better life for all the inhabitants of the island will be speedily assured.

After this meeting, the Pope went to the residence of the Orthodox Archbishop of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II. During his visit he viewed the small Cathedral of Nicosia, as well as the Museum of Icons, which includes ancient works looted from churches in the Turkish-occupied north of the country, which were returned to Cyprus from other countries.

In his speech to the Archbishop, the Pope remarked on the role Cyprus has played in the dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

I am likewise grateful for the support that the Church of Cyprus, through the clarity and openness of her contributions, has always given to the work of the dialogue. May the Holy Spirit guide and confirm this great ecclesial undertaking, which aims at restoring full and visible communion between the Churches of East and West, a communion to be lived in fidelity to the Gospel and the apostolic tradition, esteem for the legitimate traditions of East and West, and openness to the diversity of gifts by which the Spirit builds up the Church in unity, holiness and peace.

The Pope also urged all of the Christians of Cyprus to work and pray for peace, reconciliation, and stability throughout the Holy Land.