Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos described Pope Francis on Wednesday as a “a tireless advocate of unity and dignity” in his message in the book of condolences opened by the embassy of the Holy See in Cyprus.

He said Francis was a defendant of “peace, justice and unity among people of all religions”, adding that his “legacy of compassion, justice and interfaith dialogue” would be preserved as a beacon for future generations.

Amid the many signatures in the book of condolences, the ambassador of the Holy See to Cyprus, Monsignor Giorgio Chezza, emphasised that Pope Francis loved Cyprus very much.

House President Annita Demetriou, who also paid her respects on Wednesday, honoured Pope Francis as “a progressive spiritual leader.”

“As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis strived to promote interfaith dialogue, human fraternity and solidarity, acting as an inspiring force for good in an increasingly uncertain world,’’ Demetriou said.

Pointing to the pontiff’s 2021 visit to Cyprus, she emphasised that, as the second pope to visit in modern history, his visit sent a “strong message of hope for peace and unity in Cyprus and the region”.

Former President Nicos Anastasiades, after signing the book of condolences, called the death of Pope Francis “a real loss for humanity”, saying he felt fortunate to have met him several times. He expressed hope that the pope’s successor would continue his legacy as a leader committed to peace and to supporting the poor and vulnerable.

Alongside Cypriot officials, the book was signed by ambassadors from countries including Palestine, Italy, Jordan, Australia, and Iran, as well as religious leaders such as the Anglican Bishop, the Latin Patriarch, the Armenian Archbishop and the Imam of the Hala Sultan Tekkesi.

Archbishop Georgios made a statement of his own to mark the death of the Pope on Wednesday evening, saying Cyprus is “particularly grateful” for Pope Francis’ support.

“Pope Francis was a great personality, who left his mark as the Pope of simplicity, the Pope of the poor, the Pope who cared for the whole world,” Archbishop Georgios began.

He added, “Cyprus is particularly grateful because he helped it in the recovery of many religious treasures, but also because wherever there were Vatican embassies, he promoted the just cause of Cyprus”.

He added that the Church of Cyprus will be represented at the funeral by Kition Bishop Nektarios.

Pope Francis’ coffin was carried to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning and will be placed on public display at Saint Martha Basilica. He will be laid to rest there on Saturday, in the presence of hundreds of foreign leaders including President Nikos Christodoulides and thousands of worshippers.

The Holy See’s embassy in Nicosia has opened a book of condolences following Pope Francis passing that is be open for signing on Wednesday and Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Apostolic Nunciature in Cyprus.

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos signing the book of condolences in Nicosia