Rome: The sailing ship Bel Espoir, known for its voyages across the Mediterranean, is set to dock in Cyprus from June 6 to 9 as part of the MED25 Odyssey initiative. This project is a response to an appeal by the late Pope Francis, aimed at fostering unity and peace in a culturally rich but divided region.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the initiative was inspired by Pope Francis’ final address at the Mediterranean Meetings in Marseille, where he called for unity, understanding, and reconciliation. In response, 200 young individuals from 25 different countries embarked on a sea voyage to promote peace. This journey, which will continue until October 2025, began at the Vatican in February 2025 with the Pope’s blessing.
Over seven months, Bel Espoir will visit approximately 30 ports across various Mediterranean shores, including North Africa, the Middle East, the Black Sea and Aegean, the Balkans, and Europe. Cyprus is a significant stop on this journey, focusing on interreligious dialogue. From June 6 to 9, the ship’s young passengers will engage in activities with local youth organisations, community and religious leaders, and representatives in Nicosia and Larnaca to promote dialogue and peacebuilding.
The initiative highlights Cyprus’ strategic position as a bridge between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. Cultural exchanges and public events will emphasize the shared challenges and opportunities across the Mediterranean.
The ship has already visited locations such as Barcelona, Morocco, Sicily, Tunisia, Malta, and Crete. Post-Cyprus, it will sail to destinations including Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece. The participants, who represent various nationalities, religions, and cultural backgrounds, embarked on this journey in March 2025. The initiative is described as a “floating laboratory of dialogue and peace,” symbolizing cooperation and unity among Mediterranean people.
The 200 participants, organized into eight groups of 25, live, work, and learn together aboard Bel Espoir. At each port, they collaborate with local communities to foster intercultural dialogue and social cohesion, holding workshops on interfaith dialogue, human rights, environmental justice, and migration.
For more information, photos, and videos about the journey and the mission of MED25 Odyssey-Bel Espoir, interested parties can visit the official website: med25belespoir.org