TO THE many thousands of loyal followers who saw the Pope last weekend, the trip seemed to run like clockwork; the visits were punctual, the speeches moderate and even the protests were muted. But those playing closer attention might have spotted a number of faux pas, ranging from inappropriate giving of gifts to improper dress in the presence of the Holy Father.
Reports suggest there were no fewer than five instances where Vatican protocols were violated by Cypriot state officials over the weekend.
The first incident occurred during the Holy Father's arrival at Paphos airport on Friday.
While President Demetris Christofias was well attired, the First Lady, Elsi Christofias, wore a white suit jacket on his arrival, and at Sunday Mass in Eleftheria Stadium.
According to a the Vatican protocol known as Privelege du blanc, only female Catholic monarchs have the honour of wearing white in the Pope's presence.
In so doing, Elsi Christofias placed herself among the likes of Queens of Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Bavaria, and Poland.
She also put herself in the category of Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who incorrectly wore white to meet the Pope.
The next near diplomatic incident occurred when Archbishop Chrysostomos II greeted the Pope by air kissing him twice once towards each cheek.
The correct greeting for non Catholics is a light bow and a handshake, whereas Catholics are expected to kneel and kiss the ring on the Pope's right hand.
However the Pope seemed in good spirits throughout and he gave no indication that a mistake had been made.
Likewise, the Holy Father maintained a cheerful demeanor when Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou fell afoul of protocol by kissing his hand, as one might kiss the hand of an Orthodox Priest.
The fourth incident occurred during the Pope's visit to Paphos, when Savvas Vergas gave the Pope a gift, something that only heads of state are supposed to do.
The fifth reported incident involved further wardrobe impropriety by the Christofias family.
During the Holy Father's visit to the Presidential Palace, the President's daughters, Christiana and Mariana allegedly greeted him wearing dresses that revealed their shoulders and back.
Normally, women are expected to wear full length dresses or trousers, and to have their shoulders and back covered.
None of the reported incidents were acknowledged by the Vatican, which has relaxed its attitude to formal wear during audiences in recent years.
For example, men are no longer required to wear morning suits, and the mantillas (head coverings) are also optional.
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