Nicosia: Pope Francis was a devotee of peace, dialogue, and the coexistence of peoples and cultures, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said in a written statement about the death of the Pontiff on Monday also recalling the Pope’s unwavering interest in the Cyprus problem.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides expressed his profound sadness upon learning of the death of the head of the Roman Catholic Church and head of state of the Vatican, Pope Francis. He noted that Christianity mourns the loss of a Hierarch who worked with dedication, serving the values of social justice, love, and solidarity.
President Christodoulides highlighted that the Pontiff’s words and actions consistently contributed to the effort for understanding and cooperation between states, religions, and doctrines. He recognized Pope Francis as a devotee of peace, dialogue, and the coexistence of peoples and cultures.
He further shared the honor of meeting Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in November 2023, where he observed the Pope’s knowledge and interest in the Cyprus problem. He pointed out the Pope’s lasting concern for the issues caused in Cyprus by the ongoing Turkish occupation.
The President also recalled Pope Francis’s visit to Cyprus in 2021 for the 60th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus. During this visit, the Pope performed a symbolic yet substantial act by granting hospitality from the Vatican State to immigrants in Cyprus.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, the Cypriot people, and himself, President Christodoulides expressed sincere condolences to Christians worldwide, particularly the members of the Roman Catholic Church, and the officials and citizens of the Vatican State. He concluded by bidding farewell to Pope Francis with feelings of respect and appreciation.