PRIOR to the Pope’s arrival the feelings of anticipation and excitement were palpable among the crowd of a thousand of so who turned up to see the Pontiff.
Those lucky enough to have passes had to present ID at the gates whilst those without surrounded the fenced-in grounds.
Although the crowd were kept a reasonable distance away from the Pope, his words were broadcast over a loudspeaker. People came from all over the world, from all nationalities and faiths, although the majority were obviously Catholic.
A Briton from Episkopi whose family is Catholic said: “The Pope’s visit means so much to us. It’s incredibly special. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually see the Pope. It’s amazing he’s coming to Paphos, and it’s a small, local and informal event, it’s quite outstanding for us to see the Pope in these surroundings.”
Marian from Germany said: “I have always dreamed of this It’s amazing for me.”
A group of Franciscan friars from Jerusalem said: “We take care of the Holy Land, and we have come here to Paphos to see the Pope, we are staying in Nicosia and Larnaca.”
The monks said they had stopped off at Aphrodite’s Rock on the way to Paphos and were impressed by the beauty of the area.
“It’s very important for us to see the Pope here in Cyprus, as he will also be presenting an important document. We met him last year in Jerusalem and this is the end of his visit to the holy land,” said one.
As the Pontiff stepped out on the platform to face the crowd he was greeted by a plethora of smiling faces, outreaching arms and flags and banners. Most expressed the feeling that they were finding the experience surreal.
“I just can’t believe it’s him here in Paphos,” said one pensioner. “He looks just like I imagined.”
Addresses and prayers were given in both Greek and Latin and although the Popes prayers and speech were made in English, he also spoke in Greek, which impressed many of the Cypriots in the crowd.
“I came to see the Pope because he’s the Pope, I am not Catholic,” said one Cypriot man. “I am very pleased that I came here today, and I feel honoured that he spoke in my language, I admire him greatly.”
After a final flyby check of the security helicopter, the Pope, again surrounded by security exited the church, as swiftly and elegantly as he had arrived, leaving many with a feeling of bewilderment and commenting they would watch the event on the TV later in the evening to assure them that the Pope had really been there at all.
