PAPAL VISIT CYPRUS GREECE

In Cyprus and Greece, Pope Francis Had Pointed Messages For Europe

When Pope Francis was in Greece and Cyprus this weekend, he sent some very clear messages to Europe and the West in general, warning about what he sees as the weakened state of democracy due to a rising nationalist sentiment and chastising the global community for its indifference to migrants.

Pope Arrives in Greece Blasting Rise of Nationalism Across Europe

Pope Francis arrived in Greece Saturday issuing a searing critique of the state of Europe, where he said democracy is waning in favor of a nationalist agenda that has forgotten the pursuit of solidarity and common good that he insisted are characteristic of the Old Continent’s roots.

PAPAL VISIT CYPRUS GREECE

Pope Francis Offers Message of Healing to a Divided Cyprus

On his second day in Cyprus, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the island’s Catholic community and said the only way to truly recover from the tensions that still divide the country is to seek healing in Jesus together, as brothers and sisters.

MIGRANTS CAMP FRANCE

Pope Francis Assures Migrants They Are in His Prayers and His Heart

Pope Francis asked visitors in St. Peter’s Square to join him for a moment of silent prayer for migrants, especially those who recently drowned in the English Channel and in the Mediterranean and those who are freezing on the border of Belarus and Poland.

FILE MIGRANTS LESBOS GREECE

Pope, Diplomats Point to Migration as Key Theme of Greece-Cyprus Trip

Just days ahead of Pope Francis’ Dec. 2-6 visit to Greece and Cyprus, both he and the Cypriot ambassador to the Holy See have issued statements highlighting, among other things, the urgency of the migration issue for the island nation and the broader Mediterranean region.