The President of the Republic Mr Nicos
Anastasiades today had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican
during which they discussed issues concerning the inter-religion dialogue,
regional developments, the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, the
bilateral relations between Cyprus and the Holy See, and the protection of
cultural heritage.
The President of the Republic accompanied
by his wife Mrs Andri Anasstasiades and the members of the Cyprus delegation,
arrived at the Vatican at 11.30 (Cyprus time).
Subsequently, the President had a private
audience with Pope Francis that lasted for 30 minutes, which was followed by an
expanded meeting with the members of the Cyprus delegation.
Then the President presented Pope Francis
with an icon of Apostle Andreas (Saint Andrew) saying that the first person to
serve as a student of Jesus Christ is closely related to Cyprus since it is to
him that one of the holiest pilgrimages on the island is dedicated, the
Monastery of Apostle Andreas in the occupied far end of the Karpass peninsula.
The President told Pope Francis that
“according to church tradition, Apostle Andreas took refuge in Cyprus for a
short period of time after the beginning of the persecution of the students of
Christ” and presented an analysis of the history related to the construction of
the Monastery of Apostle Andreas.
The President of the Republic stressed the
religious significance of the Monastery for all the people of Cyprus, adding
that both Christians and Muslims visit the Monastery, something that
demonstrates the significant role of religion with regard to peace, coexistence
and love among people, as well as the importance of the inter-religion
dialogue.
The President also mentioned that today
the Monastery needs restoration and for this purpose a plan has been
undertaken, which is funded by the Church of Cyprus, the people of Cyprus
including the Turkish Cypriots, and the American government.
On his part, Pope Francis presented the
President of the Republic with a large copper medal with a carved depiction of
the Angel of Peace which, as the Pontiff said, destroys the demon of war inside
us. The President of the Republic responded that “we need this now in Cyprus as
well.”
Subsequently, the President of the
Republic met with the Prime Minister of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin
and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
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