Pope Benedict XVI will arrive to Cyprus with an official visit to Cyprus on June 4-6. He was invited by Demetris Christofias, President of the Republic of Cyprus, during his visit to the Vatican in March 2009. According to the press release published on the Press and Information office website,
"This is an event of major historic importance as it is the first time such a visit is being paid".
Secretary of State of the Vatican and other high ranking officials of the Holy See will accompany the Pontiff during this visit.
Meetings with the President of the Republic, Cyprus officials as well as Acrchibishop of Cyprus and representatives of the Catholic Community of Cyprus are scheduled during Pope's stay in Cyprus.
Reports said the main purpose of the visit will be to discuss with Church leaders from across the Middle East a summary of issues to be presented at the Special Synod of Bishops on the Middle East. The synod is scheduled to take place in Rome 10 - 24 October 2010.
Benedict XVI will likely make a holy pilgrimage to St. Paul’s Pillar in Pafos. Pilgrims from Lebanon, the Holy Land, and Greece are expected to join His Holiness for the historic visit.