Londonderry soldier guards the Pope
LONDONDERRY Territorial Army soldier has played a major role in providing security for the two day visit of Pope Benedict XV1 to the divided country of Cyprus.
Sergeant (Sgt) Stephen Black is serving with 40 Signals Regiment Group normally based in Londonderry but is currently on a six month tour with the UN patrolling the buffer zone where the Pope took part in a number of engagements. Deployed under Operation Tosca, the NI soldiers are responsible for a major part of the buffer zone which includes central Nicosia encompassing the Vatican Embassy, the Holy Cross Church and the Maronite Cathedral.
Stephen said: "It has been really interesting working during the Pope's visit. I can't wait to tell my mates at work all about the experience".