Cypriot MP Christos Christofides meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

On August 12, 2026, AKEL member and Cypriot MP Christos Christofides held a brief meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The encounter took place following the Pope's customary public address at St. Peter's Basilica, a recurring event attended by various political and religious figures, including a delegation of U.S. Democratic representatives.

During the discussion, Christofides presented the Pope with books detailing the 3,600-year history of the occupied city of Morphou. He briefed the Pontiff on the consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion, the coup, and the ongoing destruction of cultural heritage in the occupied territories. Christofides requested that the Vatican use its international political influence to support efforts toward the liberation and reunification of Cyprus under peaceful conditions.

The MP emphasized that his visit was part of a structured process where invited officials have the opportunity to engage briefly with the Pope. Christofides highlighted the importance of the Vatican's role on the international stage, noting that beyond its religious mission, the Holy See remains a significant political actor in global affairs.