Nicosia, Cyprus, May 19, 2010 / 20:06 pm
The Cyprus ambassador to the Holy See asserted that the “moral influence” of Pope Benedict XVI will be “massive” during his upcoming trip to the Mediterranean island, which is currently under Communist leadership in the south and under Turkish occupation in the north of the country.
In an interview with Terrasanta.net, Ambassador George Poulides spoke on the preparations and overall significance of the Holy Father's June 4-6 visit to Cyprus. The Pontiff will make history on the island by releasing a working document for the synod of bishops in the Middle East, which is aimed at promoting peace and helping end religious persecution in the region.
“The preparations have reached fever pitch,” Ambassador Poulides said of the papal visit. “Both the Government, the Orthodox Church and the Catholic community are working non-stop for this important occasion.”
“Not only is the vast mobilization of all Cypriots expected, but also the dynamic flow of hundreds of journalists from every part of the world. In addition, many of the faithful will arrive from neighboring countries in the Middle East, together with their Bishops,” he told Terrasanta.net.