Shows of force and threats of reprisal are not the way of peace

After leaving the Maronite Cathedral, on Thursday, 2 December, Pope Francis headed to the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony and a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades. At the end of their private meeting, they proceeded to the Ceremonial Hall where the President and the Holy Father each addressed members of civil society and members of the diplomatic corps. The following is the English text of the Pontiff’s discourse. Mr President of the Republic,Members of Government and of the Diplomatic Corps,Distinguished Religious and Civil Authorities,Illustrious Representatives of Society and the World of Culture,Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you most cordially and I am most pleased to be present among you. I thank you, Mr President, for the welcome you have offered me in the name of the entire ...