To the President of the Republic of Cyprus (October 30, 2004)

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ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO TASSOS PAPADOPOULOS,
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS*

Saturday, 30 October 2004

Mr. President,

It is a pleasure for me to greet you as you visit the Vatican. I ask you to extend my cordial good wishes to the people of your nation, which has always been so deeply faithful to the Christian message.

I encourage you and your fellow citizens in your ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and tolerance among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in your country. Indeed, it is only by commitment to understanding and mutual respect that long held tensions can be resolved and lead to unity based on the principles of solidarity and justice. I pray that Almighty God may impart to you and all the people of Cyprus, the gifts of peace and harmony.

*Insegnamenti di Giovanni Paolo II, vol. XXVII, 2 p. 482.

L'Osservatore Romano 31-10-2004 p.4.

L'Osservatore Romano. Weekly Edition in English n.46 p.2.