FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – The international community is mourning the death of Pope Francis, with world leaders expressing their grief, including Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who reflected on the pontiff’s legacy of love and justice.
For the government of Cyprus, Pope Francis’ visit to Cyprus in 2021 was a historic event.
Some 77 reporters accompanied the Pope’s mission, while more than 200 journalists were accredited to cover the event.
Although brief, the official schedule included several events, including a Holy Mass at GSP Stadium on the outskirts of Nicosia, a major venue for international football matches. Hundreds of Catholics, many traveling from across the Mediterranean region, attended the event.
Pope Francis met with refugees and immigrants, followed by an Ecumenical prayer at the Catholic Church of the Holy Cross in Nicosia, a unique parish where Mass is celebrated in eight languages.
During the trip, the Holy Father visited the Presidential Palace, where he was greeted by then President Nicos Anastasiades.
The two discussed the protection of cultural heritage, interreligious dialogue, the ongoing Cyprus problem, migration, refugee issues, and human rights. The challenges posed by the latest Covid-19 outbreak were also on the agenda.
Francis later visited Archbishop Chrysostomos II, leader of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, and held meetings with Catholic Church leaders on the island.
This marked the second papal visit to Cyprus, following Benedict XVI’s journey in 2010, which aimed to strengthen ties between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.
The Pope departed Cyprus on Dec. 4 for Athens.