Pope concludes Cyprus visit

(June 7, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI wrapped up his three-day pastoral visit to Cyprus on Sunday afternoon emphasizing truth and reconciliation as two keys to promoting unity in the divided island. In a farewell address at the Larnaca International Airport, the Pontiff thanked the country's president, Demetris Christofias, and all those who helped to organize his trip. He urged all to redouble efforts “to build a real and lasting peace for all the peoples." "I have seen for myself something of the sad division of the island, as well as learning of the loss of a significant part of a cultural heritage which belongs to all humanity," he said. Since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, a United Nations buffer zone divides the Turkish Cypriot community in the north and the Greek Cypriot community in the south. "I have also listened to Cypriots from the north who wish to return in peace to their homes and places of worship, and I have been deeply moved by their pleas," Pope Benedict said. “Surely,” he said, “truth and reconciliation, together with respect, are the soundest foundation for the united and peaceful future of this island, and for the stability and prosperity of all her people." The Pope hoped his visit would be seen as another step along the path of Christian unity between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The Holy Father also expressed a "sincere hope and prayer that, together, Christians and Muslims will become a leaven for peace and reconciliation among Cypriots and serve as an example to other countries." After the farewell ceremony at Larnaca airport, a Cyprus Airways plane flew Pope Benedict back to Rome where he landed after 8 in the evening.