Pope Francis met with the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades.
During their discussion in the Vatican, they talked about the challenges of receiving refugees, religious liberty, minority rights and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the need to promote peace.
They also discussed the domestic situation of the country and the reunification process. Pope Francis expressed much interest in the island's situation since Turkish occupation in 1974.
Then the president introduced the pope to his wife, Andri. He gave Pope Francis these silver vessels used to carry rose water. The pope in turn gave the president copies of the most important written works of his pontificate. They greeted each other very cordially and Pope Francis then told the president he hoped to meet in Cyprus next time.
“May our next encounter be in Cyprus.”
Ángeles Conde
Claudia Torres
