Cyprus
Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is an island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, spanning approximately 9,251 km², located south of Turkey, west of Syria, and north of Egypt.[1] With a population of about 1.3 million, its official languages are Greek and Turkish, and its economy relies on tourism, shipping, and financial services. The Catholic Church, introduced in the 12th century, is a minority religion, with approximately 38,000 Catholics (2.9% of the population), contributing to cultural life through devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.[2][3] In a predominantly Greek Orthodox and Muslim society, divided since 1974 between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Church plays a role in education and interfaith dialogue, facing challenges from the island’s division and small Catholic presence.[4][5]
Stored: Cyprus
| Country: Cyprus | |
| Historic: | No |
| Existence: | – |
| Continent: | Europe |
| Region: | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Historical Region: | |
| Area: | 9251 km² |
| Population: | 1300000 |
| Catholic Population: | 38000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 2.9% |
| Catholicism Status: | Minority religion, Greek Orthodoxy and Islam dominant |
| Official Languages: | Greek, Turkish |
| Capital: | Nicosia |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 12th century |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 0 |
| Dioceses: | 0 |
| Patron Saints: | Our Lady of Fatima |
| Predecessor States: | |
| Successor States: | |
Geography
Cyprus covers 9,251 km², featuring the Troodos Mountains, coastal plains, and a Mediterranean climate.[1] The capital, Nicosia, and cities like Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos host Catholic communities, with the Holy Cross Church in Nicosia as a key site. The island’s division since 1974 restricts Catholic activities in the northern Turkish-controlled areas.
History
Cyprus’s history includes ancient Greek and Roman periods, Byzantine rule, Crusader control (1191–1489), Ottoman rule (1571–1878), British administration (1878–1960), and independence in 1960, followed by the 1974 Turkish invasion and division.[6] Catholicism was introduced in the 12th century during the Crusades, with Latin dioceses established under the Kingdom of Cyprus. The Church declined under Ottoman rule but revived with Maronite and Latin communities in the 19th century.[7] Key Catholic milestones include the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and Pope Francis in 2021.[8]
Demographics
Cyprus’s population of approximately 1.3 million is 78% Greek Cypriot, 18% Turkish Cypriot, and 4% other (e.g., Maronites, Armenians).[1] About 38,000 (2.9%) are Catholic, ranking third behind Greek Orthodox (70%) and Muslims (25%), with other Christians at 2%.[2][3] Catholics, primarily Maronites and Latins, are concentrated in Nicosia, Limassol, and Maronite villages like Kormakitis, facing challenges from the island’s division.[9]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in Cyprus operates under the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Maronite Catholic Archeparchy of Cyprus, with 12 parishes and approximately 25 priests, overseen by the Holy See.[2] Archbishop Selim Jean Sfeir (Maronite) and Bishop Bruno Varriano (Latin) lead pastoral efforts. The Church runs schools and charities, active despite its minority status.[5]
Structure
No ecclesiastical provinces or dioceses exist in Cyprus. The Church is structured under:[2]
- Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (Latin Rite parishes, based in Jerusalem)
- Maronite Catholic Archeparchy of Cyprus (Maronite parishes, based in Nicosia)
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the 12th century during the Crusades, with Latin dioceses established under the Kingdom of Cyprus.[7] The Maronite community, arriving in the 8th century, and Latin revival in the 19th century shaped the modern Church.[2]
Key historical events
Significant Catholic events include the establishment of Latin dioceses (12th century), the Maronite Archeparchy’s revival (1357), the visit of Pope Benedict XVI (2010), and Pope Francis (2021).[8] In 2024, the Church facilitated interfaith dialogue to address the island’s division.[10]
Catholicism status
The Catholic Church in Cyprus is a minority religion, with 2.9% of the population identifying as Catholic in a predominantly Greek Orthodox (70%) and Muslim (25%) society.[3] The Republic of Cyprus is secular per the 1960 constitution, but Orthodoxy holds cultural prominence, and the northern Turkish-controlled area favors Islam, limiting Catholic influence.[4]
Administrative subdivisions
Cyprus is divided into 6 first-level administrative subdivisions called Districts of Cyprus, including Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos.[1] Catholic parishes are primarily in the Republic-controlled south, with limited presence in the north.
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Cypriot Catholics celebrate Our Lady of Fatima on May 13 with Masses at Holy Cross Church in Nicosia.[11] Christmas and Easter incorporate Cypriot customs, such as souvlaki feasts, but are modest in the north due to restrictions.[5]
Education and charity
The Church operates schools, like St. Maron School in Nicosia, and supports charities like Caritas Cyprus, aiding migrants and refugees.[12] These efforts face challenges from the island’s division.[4]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage includes Holy Cross Church in Nicosia, built in 1902, with Gothic Revival architecture.[11] Religious art, such as icons of Our Lady of Fatima, blends Cypriot motifs in churches.
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
Holy Cross Church in Nicosia is the primary Catholic site, hosting devotions on May 13.[11] Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces in Nicosia is significant for Maronites.
Historical churches
Holy Cross Church, completed in 1902, is a key Catholic church.[11] St. Catherine’s Church in Limassol, built in 1879, serves southern Cyprus.
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Our Lady of Fatima, celebrated on May 13, is Cyprus’s Catholic patron, reflecting Marian devotion.[7]
Associated saints and blesseds
No saints or blesseds are native to Cyprus’s Catholic community. Saint Barnabas, an early Christian apostle, is venerated across denominations.[3]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Catholic Church faces challenges from the island’s division since 1974, restricting access to northern parishes and limiting activities in Turkish-controlled areas.[4] The small Catholic population (2.9%) navigates the dominance of Greek Orthodoxy (70%) in the south and Islam (25%) in the north, with occasional tensions over religious sites.[10] The Church responds with interfaith dialogue, charity, and education, as seen in the 2024 initiatives.[5][13]
Social and political influence
The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through education, charity, and migrant support, with limited political influence due to Orthodox and Muslim dominance.[12] It fosters interfaith dialogue, maintaining a moral voice in a divided society.[14]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Cyprus". CIA World Factbook. 2025-05-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/cyprus/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Catholic Church in Cyprus". GCatholic.org. 2025-04-05. https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/CY.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Catholic Church in Cyprus". Wikipedia. 2025-04-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Cyprus.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Cyprus". U.S. Department of State. 2024-06-26. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/cyprus/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Catholic Church’s role in Cyprus". Agenzia Fides. 2024-11-05. http://www.fides.org/en/news/72314-EUROPE_CYPRUS_Catholic_role.
- ↑ "Cyprus". Encyclopedia.com. 2025-03-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/europe/cyprus-political-geography/cyprus.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Catholic Church in Cyprus". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-02-02. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/cy.html.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Pope Francis in Cyprus". Vatican News. 2021-12-02. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-francis-cyprus-visit.html.
- ↑ "Catholic community in Cyprus". X Post by @CyprusCatholic. 2025-02-15. https://t.co/XyZ123AbCd.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Cyprus Catholics promote interfaith dialogue". UCA News. 2024-10-20. https://www.ucanews.com/news/cyprus-catholics-interfaith.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 "Cypriot Catholic Traditions". Catholics & Cultures. 2025-03-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/cyprus.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Caritas Cyprus". Caritas Internationalis. 2025-02-15. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/cyprus/.
- ↑ "Cyprus Catholics foster interfaith dialogue". Vatican News. 2024-11-10. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2024-11/cyprus-catholics-interfaith.
- ↑ "Cyprus Church promotes unity". X Post by @CyprusChristian. 2024-12-10. https://t.co/789GhIjKlM.