Nicosia, Cyprus, Jun 6, 2010 / 14:14 pm
Concluding his Apostolic Journey to the island of Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, the Holy Father expressed his hope for the peace and reconciliation of the people of the island.
Wrapping up the day's events, which included the consignment of the Instrumentum laboris for October's Special Assembly of Middle Eastern bishops, Pope Benedict XVI addressed a delegation headed by the president of the nation, Demetris Christofias at the Larnaca International Airport.
The Holy Father called for redoubled efforts to build "a real and lasting peace for all peoples" in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which is "no stranger to conflict and bloodshed." He then highlighted the role of the island of Cyprus to the promotion of dialogue and cooperation.
"Striving patiently for the peace of your own hearts and for the prosperity of your neighbors," he told them, "you will then be well placed to hear and understand all sides of many complex issues, and to help peoples to come to a greater understanding of one another."