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Catholic World News News Feature

Cypriot leader, Pope discuss religious freedom, Turkish influence November 10, 2006

Pope Benedict XVI met on November 10 with President Tassos Papadopoulos of Cyprus, for a conversation that included discussions of the current situation in Cyprus, the relations between different religious communities there, and the future of Europe.

After his session with the Holy Father-- which took place less than 3 weeks before the papal trip to Turkey-- Papadopoulos revealed that he had issued an invitation for the Pontiff to visit Cyprus. He told reporters that the Pope had not responded directly to the invitation, although he "seemed pleased." Papadopoulos suggested that a papal visit to Cyprus could be planned as a stop during an eventual pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

President Papadopoulos heads the Greek government that controls most of Cyprus, while the northern portion of the island nation is controlled by a Turkish regime which is not recognized by any other country. Papadopoulos observed that by receiving his visit, Pope Benedict had affirmed the Vatican's recognition for his government. The Cypriot leader had traveled to Rome specifically for his meeting with the Holy Father.

The government of Cyprus, a member of the European Union, does not oppose Turkey's bid for EU membership, Papadopoulos told reporters in Rome. However he insisted that the government of Turkey-- and its administration in northern Cyprus-- must adhere to European standards of human rights and religious freedom.

The question of religious freedom is a highly sensitive issue in Cyprus, where Christian leaders, primarily Orthodox, have complained bitterly of Turkish attempts to obliterate all Greek and Christian influence in the northern part of the island. Church officials say that since the Turkish takeover of northern Cyprus in 1974, 133 churches have been closed, of which 78 have been converted into mosques. Thousands of cherished icons have been reportedly confiscated or destroyed.

President Papadopoulos said that in his conversation with Pope Benedict, he found the Pontiff deeply concerned about religious freedom in Cyprus.

After his meeting with the Pope, Papadopoulos spoke with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. The foreign minister of Cyprus, Yiorgos Lillikas, who had accompanied the president on his visit, met privately with his Vatican counterpart, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.