Cyprus communist leader meets Pope

The Pope received Cypriot House of Representatives President and leader of the communist AKEL party, Demetris Christofias on Wednesday.

Christofias said the Pontiff was informed about the Cyprus problem and on the looting of cultural treasures in the Turkish occupied areas as well as the pillage of churches there.

According to Christofias, the Pope said the EU should, and if it believes in the principles it proclaims, become energetic to restore justice in Cyprus, harmonise the anomalous situation and become a bridge for cultures and religions.

The Cypriot Speaker said he informed the Pope that he is elected in a district with a predominantly Catholic community, the Maronites.

The Maronites, who originate from Lebanon are, in Catholic parlance, “in communion with Rome”, meaning that they are part of the Roman church.

As an identified religious group in Cyprus, Maronites outnumber the Roman Catholic Latins in terms of citizenship, who number only a few hundred.

However, the actual Catholic community in Cyprus is much larger, owing to large numbers of Catholic non-nationals working in Cyprus.