Some 5,000 guests and hundreds of onlookers gathered at a primary school in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia on Saturday (June 5) to witness a rare visit by Pope Benedict.

The faithful waved flags, sang songs and chatted excitedly as they waited for the Holy Father to arrive for the late morning visit.

The Pope's arrival at the school's outdoor field was greeted with cheers and applause.

The Saint Maron's school is a Maronite Catholic facility on the predominantly Orthodox Christian island.

Many hope the Pope, who arrived on Cyprus on Friday (June 4), will help unite the island's Catholic and Orthodox Christians.

Benedict told the faithful that their circumstances allowed them to contribute to the goal of greater Christian unity in their everyday lives.

[Pope Benedict]:
"With regard to inter-religious dialogue, much still needs to be done throughout the world. This is another area where Catholics in Cyprus often live in circumstances which afford them opportunities for right and prudent action. Only by patient work can mutual trust be built, the burden of history overcome, and the political and cultural differences between people become a motive to work for deeper understanding. I urge you to help create such mutual trust between Christians and non-Christians."

The school children treated the Holy Father with performances depicting traditional Cypriot life and presented him with gifts.