Pope Francis’ upcoming go to to Cyprus is vital for all communities on the island and the area at massive, in line with Yiannakis Moussas who represents the Maronite spiritual group in Parliament.
“Pope Francis` go to to Cyprus is a vital occasion not just for the Maronite and Catholic group of Cyprus, but additionally for the entire of Cyprus and the area at massive,” he instructed the Cyprus Information Company in an interview.
“The Pope`s go to to Cyprus sends a powerful message. Initially, the pontiff`s visits are a supply of hope and optimism each for individuals who obtain him and for the broader area,” he added.
The go to will happen from December 2 to 4. That is the second time {that a} Primate of the Roman Catholic Church will probably be visiting Cyprus after Benedict XVI in 2010.
Moussas additionally stated that Pope Francis is thought to be “the Pope of the poor and underprivileged” and due to this fact he’s anticipated to provide weight to those points whereas in Cyprus.
There was a coordinated effort with the Holy See, the Presidency of the Republic and the Cypriot authorities with the intention to arrange a superb go to, he added.
Referring to Maronite Cypriots I specific, he stated they keep shut ties and communication channels with the Holy See.
Earlier than the Turkish invasion of 1974 the Maronites lived in three villages within the district of Turkish-held Kyrenia – that’s Kormakitis, Asomatos and Karpasia. In addition to within the village of Ayia Marina situated within the district of Nicosia.
“What we’re requesting and asking for is rapid return of the individuals to the villages. As a result of with out return to our villages, with out our land, there isn’t any risk of long-term survival of the Maronite group”, he stated.
Moussas underlined that Maronite Cypriots needs to be allowed to return to their occupied villages in Asomatos and Ayia Marina even earlier than an answer of the Cyprus downside.