Cyprus prepares for Pope Francis’ visit

November 29, 2021518 views0

Cyprus prepares for Pope Francis’ visit

2021-11-29T13:36:17+01:00

By Bede

Ahead of Pope Franci’s visit, final preparations are being completed in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia.The top cleric is due to be in Cyprus on Thursday.Speaking on the development, the Cypriot Deputy Government Spokesman said 77 reporters will accompany the Pope’s mission, while more than 200 journalists have been accredited to cover the event.Although a brief trip, the final official schedule shows several events, including a Holy Mass at GSP sports stadium on the outskirts of Nicosia, a leading venue for international football matches.Hundreds of Catholics, many of them traveling from throughout the Mediterranean region, are expected to attend the event.Pope Francis will also meet with refugees and immigrants, followed by an Ecumenical prayer at the Catholic Church of the Holy Cross in Nicosia, a unique parish church where Mass is celebrated in eight different languages.During the trip, the Holy Father will visit the Presidential Palace, where he will be greeted by President Nicos Anastasiades who is expected to brief him on protection of cultural heritage, efforts to promote interreligious dialogue, the on-going ‘Cyprus problem’ and the migration and refugee issue and human rights.The challenges facing the world due to the new outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic will also be discussed.Pope Francis will then visit Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the leader of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus and hold meetings with the leaders of the Catholic Church on the island.This is the second Papal visit to Cyprus, after Benedict XVI successful journey in 2010 aimed at strengthening ties between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.Pope Francis will depart from Cyprus on 4 December to travel Athens.READ ALSO: Pope Francis and Macron meet at the Vatican