Nicosia, Cyprus, Jun 5, 2010 / 09:15 am
On Saturday morning, the Pope urged the people of Cyprus to build lasting peace and harmony based on mutual trust. Commenting on the “unique circumstances” of Catholics on the island nation, he encouraged their efforts towards full unity with Christians and continued dialogue with non-Christians.
The meeting between the Holy Father and members of the Maronite, Armenian and Latin Catholic traditions took place mid-morning on a beautiful day at St. Maron elementary school in the capital city of the Nicosia. Addresses were exchanged between Archbishop Youssef Soueif of the Maronites and the Pope.
In his words to the group, Pope Benedict XVI remembered the long tradition of the Church in Cyprus and told them that, as “Christ’s followers of today,” they continue to be called to bear witness in promoting “the Gospel values” of their predecessors.
In the “unique circumstances” of the Church in Cyprus, he said that they are given the ability to contribute to “the goal of Christian unity.” This objective, he added, along with the search for dialogue with non-Christians, is “an essential part of our Church’s life and mission.