Atmosphere typical of the Holy Land

At the conclusion of Holy Mass, the Holy Father said a few words following the Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Selim Jean Sfeir’s greeting and thanks. The following is the English text of the Pontiff’s address prior to his departure from gsp Stadium.

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am the one who would like to thank you, all of you! Tomorrow morning, before leaving the country, I will have occasion to bid farewell to the President of the Republic, here present, but right now I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the welcome and affection that you have shown me. Thank you!

Here in Cyprus, I feel something of that atmosphere typical of the Holy Land, where antiquity and the variety of Christian traditions enrich every pilgrim. This is good for me, and it is also encouraging to meet communities of believers who live in the present with hope and openness to the future, and who share this greater vision with those most in need. I think in particular of the migrants in search of a better life, with whom, together with my brothers and sisters of various Christian confessions, I will have my final meeting on this island.

My thanks go to all those who helped to organize this visit! Please pray for me. May the Lord bless you and Our Lady protect you. Efcharistó! [Thank you!]