To stop the division of Cyprus, Pope Francis asked: He expressed his fear of a new world war

He once again referred to , this time during his speech to the diplomatic body which is permanently accredited to the Vatican. More specifically, the pontiff stressed that there is a climate of insecurity “which promotes the construction of new barriers and the development of new borders while others – such as that which for over fifty years has separated the island of Cyprus, but also that which for over seventy years divides the Korean peninsula – remain stable in place, separating families and dismembering homes and cities.” CORVERSE The pontiff, at the same time, stressed that “a diplomacy of hope is needed” while he did not hide his concern that “the threat of a new world war is becoming increasingly substantial.” Francis again called for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, where, as he stressed, “the humanitarian situation is very serious and embarrassing.” He also called for “all necessary assistance to the Palestinian civilian population”. “I hope that the Palestinians and Israelis can rebuild the bridges of dialogue and mutual trust, starting with children, so that new generations can live next door to each other, in two countries, in peace and security and that Jerusalem becomes “the city of meeting” with harmonious coexistence of Christians, Jews and Muslims, with mutual respect.” CORVERSE Addressing the Argentine pope, the ambassador of Cyprus despite the Holy See, George Pulidis (who is the oldest accredited ambassador to the Vatican) thanked him “for his tireless work, a source of hope for so many peoples, so many women and men”. He added that the hope – to which it is dedicated the ‘St. Year of Catholics that has just begun – feeds “the determination to fight for a future of peace, through dialogue and solidarity”. Finally, it is recalled that two weeks ago, the pontiff had made a detailed reference to the Cyprus issue, as part of his Christmas message, in which he stressed: “Let the Holy Year be an opportunity to bring down the walls that divide: ideological walls, which so many times affect political life, and materials, such as the division that has existed – for fifty years – on the island of Cyprus and which has hit its social and human fabric. I express the expectation that a common acceptable solution can be reached, which puts an end to division, with full respect for the rights and dignity of all Cypriot communities.”