Pope Francis’ historic visit to Cyprus this week has sparked a general feeling of joy and expectation among the Catholic community.
With the last two years plagued by the burden of the Covid-19 pandemic, the much-anticipated arrival of the pontiff will, according to many, represent a breath of fresh air and a much-needed moment of rejoicing in a world that no longer resembles the one everyone was used to.
Pope Francis will arrive in Cyprus on December 2. On the same day, he will meet with priests, deacons, catechists, and members of church associations present in Cyprus at the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace in Nicosia, before meeting President Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace.
The following day he will also meet Archbishop Chrysostomos II, followed by a meeting with the Holy Synod. Later in the morning he will preside over a mass at GSP Stadium in Nicosia and finish off the visit with an ecumenical prayer with migrants at the Catholic Church of the Holy Cross in Nicosia.