Alle 11 di questa mattina, il Santo Padre Giovanni Paolo II ha ricevuto in Udienza il Presidente della Repubblica di Cipro, S.E. il Sig. Tassos Papadopoulos, e gli ha rivolto le parole di saluto che riportiamo di seguito:

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.

[01710-02.02] [Original text: English]