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25-10-2022 08:05 |
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The
President of the Republic received the highest honorary distinction of the
Holy See |
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Pope Francis A’ awarded the
President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, with the Grand Collar of
the Order of Pope Pius IX, which constitutes the highest honour of the Holy
See. During a special ceremony held last night, in the framework of an official dinner hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic at the Holy See, Mr George Poullides, the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, awarded the Grand Collar of the Order of Pope Pius IX to the President of the Republic, on behalf of Pope Francis, in the presence of senior Vatican officials. Awarding the Collar, the
Secretary of State of the Holy See said, inter alia, that “Cyprus constitutes
a pearl of great value in the heart of the Mediterranean, as Pope Francis
called it.” He added that this highest
honorary distinction is awarded in recognition of remarkable acts in various
fields, including acts of courage in promoting peace and justice, human
virtues and the common good. He pointed out that the Grand
Collar of the Order of Pope Pius IX is awarded to the President by Pope
Francis in recognition of his gratitude for the President’s close
relationship with the Vatican, as well as his respect towards the Pontiff and
the Holy See, shown during his two terms of office as President of the
Republic of Cyprus, and especially during the Papal visit to Cyprus last
December. “I would like to add, as
confirmation of our common good will, that last year the Holy See appointed
its first Commissary in Lefkosia. Once again, I would like to express my
appreciation for the generosity of the Cypriot government to offer state land
for the Apostolic Nunciature. Thank you for your second visit
to the Vatican and for the heartfelt and fruitful discussion we had this
morning”. On his part, the President of
the Republic said, inter alia, that "it is a great honor for the
Republic of Cyprus, the Cypriot people and for himself personally to be
awarded with the Grand Collar of the Order of Pope Pius IX. The words ‘Virtue and Value’
inscribed at the centre of this distinguished decoration are indeed the
guiding principles for all of us who have a responsibility to lead our
countries and peoples. In times full of challenges
that torment humanity, the Holy Father, yourself and the Holy See continue to
send messages of inspiration, courage and hope, the main goal being the
peaceful coexistence of all citizens, regardless of their diversity, race,
religion or gender. These are the messages that
guide our efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. So that peace
prevails among all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots as well as
our brothers who belong to the religious groups of the Maronites, Latins and
Armenians on the island, in order for Cyprus to become a model of a state of
peaceful coexistence and collaborative creation. A truly sovereign and
independent state where the democratic institutions, human rights, the
principles and values of European ideals and those of the United Nations are
implemented and respected”. Referring to the honorary
distinction, President Anastasiades noted that “it constitutes another
milestone in the continued strengthening and deepening of our bilateral
relations and our mutually beneficial cooperation.” (RM/EP/ECHR) |
