The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, was received today at the Vatican by Pope Francis.

Afterwards, Mr. Christodoulidis also had a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

As stated in a statement from the Holy See, in the meeting with Cardinal Parolin “satisfaction was expressed for the positive bilateral relations, with reference also to some issues concerning state-church relations”.

At the same time, “the discussion also revolved around challenges which, at this stage, concern the country, such as immigration” while “there was an exchange of views on the international situation, with particular attention to the ongoing conflicts, among which that between Israel and Palestine”.

The President of Cyprus presented the pontiff with a work of sculpture – it is an olive tree in wood and metal, a symbol of peace – while Francis reciprocated with this year’s message for peace, the volumes with the texts he has signed and his “medal Holy Spirit”.