Pope Francis went to the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace, where he was welcomed by catechists, priests, bishops, religious and members of ecclesial movements.
This cathedral is in the island's neutral zone, which is controlled by United Nations Peacekeeping.
The northern third of the island was invaded by Turkey in 1974. Since then, Cyprus has tried to reclaim that area, which lives under Turkish influence.
This event made a profound impact on the country and the Catholic community, as the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, Cardinal Boutros Rai, told the Pope.
-“Nowadays, after the events of 1974 and the division of the island, the number of Maronites is 7,000.”
The Maronite community had 80,000 members in the 13th century. But its presence diminished because of war and persecution.
Pope Francis listened to testimonials, including from this religious sister.
She recounted the Turkish invasion of 1974, as the older members of her congregation had told her. They had to flee to save their lives, but they thought they would return soon. It's been 47 years.
Pope Francis recommended patience. He said it is essential for unification in Cyprus and the Church.
He gave the example of St. Barnabas, patron of the island. The Pope highlighted his patience in front of the shortcomings of the first Christian communities.
Pope Francis said the Church must act that way today and, concretely, in Europe, where Christianity has lost credibility.
POPE FRANCIS
'This is also an important message for the Church throughout Europe, marked by the crisis of faith. It does little good to be impulsive and aggressive, nostalgic or querulous. Instead, it is good to move forward, reading the signs of the times as well as the signs of the crisis. We need to start proclaiming the Gospel with patience.'
The Catholic Church in Cyprus includes faithful of both the Latin and Maronite Rites. Their history has always been marked by persecution, given their proximity to the Muslim world. Many Maronites from Lebanon have migrated to Cyprus, and from Cyprus to other countries.
Now they have communities in Australia, Mexico, the United States and Argentina.
JRB
TR: CT
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