Ambassador of Cyprus to the Holy See George Poulides referred Monday to the tireless commitment of Pope Francis to the defense of human dignity, calling it the “cornerstone on which to build a truly just, free and peaceful world” Vatican News reports.

Ambassador Poulides, is his capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, was speaking at an annual event for the New Year, which the Pope hosts in the Vatican for diplomats.

In his address, the Ambassador said that much needs to be done to guarantee human rights, referring among others to poverty and hunger, armed conflicts, limitations to religious freedom and the environment.

The Diplomatic family recognizes the great contribution of the Holy See in promoting effective action in the field of global migration, he said, and according to Vatican News, he recalled the Pope’s special attention to young people.

An announcement by the Foreign Ministry, circulated by PIO, says moreover that during this event, the Pope announces the Holy See’s foreign policy priorities for the new year, in reply to the address delivered by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Ambassador Poulides, representing the 183 Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, is responsible for drafting the speech in consultation with other diplomats, and delivers the address to the Pope during the event. The Foreign Ministry notes in conclusion that Cyprus figures prominently in the reporting of all news agencies, due to Ambassador Poulides’ capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps since May 12, 2018.