President of Cyprus meets with Pontiff
February 17, 2014
Pope Francis met on February 15 with Nicos Anastasiades, who assumed office as president of Cyprus in 2013.
The two discussed religious freedom, “the positive role of religion in society,” and the Middle and Near East, according to the Holy See Press Office. The two also discussed Cyprus’s own troubled situation – Turkey invaded and occupied 40% of the island in 1974 – and the press office noted that “satisfaction was expressed” at the resumption of talks aimed at reunifying the island.
Following the meeting, Anastasiades met with Archbishop Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States.
Cyprus, a nation of 1.2 million, is 78% Eastern Orthodox, 18% Muslim, and 2% Catholic.
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Further information:
- Comunicato Della Sala Stampa: Udienza Al Presidente Della Repubblica Di Cipro (Holy See Press Office)
- High stakes as Greeks and Turks revive Cyprus peace talks (The Guardian)
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