Hundreds of Catholics gathered at a sports complex in Cyprus to catch a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their pontiff, Pope Benedict.             

The pope, who was making a three-day trip to the divided island, spoke in the wake of a world outcry over Israel's blockade of Gaza. He appealed for international efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East. 
           
[Pope Benedict, Roman Catholic Pontiff]:         
"On this grave matter, I reiterate my personal appeal for an urgent and concerted international effort to resolve the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, especially in the Holy Land, before such conflicts lead to greater bloodshed." 
           
The pope's appeal came at the same time as the Vatican releases a document on the Middle East.  
          
It criticises what it calls a disregard for international law and human rights abuses.   
         
It also voices concern at the exodus of Christians fleeing conflict in the trouble-torn region.  
          
Outside the sports centre, a small number of protesters gathered to express their opposition to the Roman Catholic leader's visit, although differences have rarely been a problem on the island in recent times. 
           
Cyprus is home to a large Filipino and Sri Lankan population and the Pope extended his greeting to the the island's immigrant communities.