“We must not give weight to criticism. The Orthodox Church of Cyprus has unanimously approved the visit”. This is the answer given by Father Umberto Barato, general patriarchal vicar of Latin Catholics in Cyprus, in response to the declarations, reported by local media, made by some Cypriote Orthodox bishops opposed to Benedict XVI’s forthcoming visit to the island (4-6 June). One of them went as far as to declare that the Pope is heretic, that he is not a bishop, since the Latin Church “has separated itself from the true Church”. “These declarations contradict the decision unanimously taken by the Orthodox Synod to invite the Pope – explained the vicar to SIR – and now such statements are issued”. Chrysostomos II, Orthodox Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus, responded to the criticism by stating that “all Orthodox bishops are due to welcome the Pope and attend his reception, since the visit has been approved by the Orthodox Synod. Moreover, those who refuse to take part may face one-year suspension from the meetings of the Orthodox Synod”.
There have been attempts to spoil the atmosphere surrounding the Pope’s visit to the island, including the initiative of a local association which accused the Pope of having covered up some cases of clerical sex abuse and thus demanded that the Attorney General arrest the Pope upon his arrival in Cyprus. “The accusations and the way they were made deserve no answer because they are driven by prejudice”, said Fr. Barato. The Franciscan father believes that the Pope’s visit “will bring words of hope, reconciliation and peace. A message of comfort will also be addressed to the many migrants who live here on the island”.

© SIR - 1 june 2010