Speaking to the press after the meetings, President Anastasiades described the visit as “very important, productive and constructive” and hinted at lookingto the Vatican to exert its influence on many western governments to promote and secure support on issues relating to Cyprus. “During my meetings with the Pope and the Prime Minister I was met with full understanding. Considering that on March 27 USA President Barack Obama will be visiting the Vatican, as well as the influence the Vatican exerts on many governments which have a role to play, one can understand the importance of these meetings,” he said. He concluded that “our positions are met with understanding on all issues raised, as well as that of confidence-building measures.”

The President arrived at the Vatican accompanied by First Lady Andri Anastasiades, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides, the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Georgos Lakkotrypis, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides, the Ambassador of the Republic to the Holy See Yiorgos Poullides, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Christos Patsalides and the Director of the Diplomatic Office of thePresident Mr Nicos Christodoulides. A 30-minute private audience between the President and Pope Francis was followed by an extended session that included the members of the Cyprus delegation.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the Vatican affirmed its good relations with the Cyprus government and welcomed the resumption of negotiations to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem. “Both parties expressed their concern with regard to the political instability in the Middle East area, and expressed the common hope that Christian communities in various countries will continue to contribute to a spiritually and materially prosperous future,” the statement concluded.

During the meeting, President Anastasiades offered a religious icon of Saint Andrew to the Pope and explained the Saint’s importance to Cyprus. “According to religious tradition,” the President said, “Saint Andrew resorted to Cyprus for a short period during persecution against the Christ’s followers.” He went on to stress the monastery’s religious significance to Cypriots and added that the site is a popular pilgrimage destination for both Christians and Muslims, thus proving the importance of religion’s role in peace, coexistence and love between people, as well as the importance of interfaith dialogue. The President also informed the Pope that the monastery is in need of immediate restoration, which is the object of a programme funded by the Cyprus church, the Cyprus people including Turkish Cypriots, and the American government.

Pope Francis offered President Anastasiades a copper medal depicting the Angel of Peace who, according to the Pontiff, destroys our inner war demon, inviting the President’s comment that “this is what Cyprus currently needs.” Following the meeting with Pope Francis, the President met with the Holy See’s Prime Minister Pietro Parolin and foreign affairs minister Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.

Source: Cyprus Mail