November 25, 2006
Pope's visit (1) - Pope’s focus in Turkey not Islam but Christian unity
Gareth Jones:
While the world’s media focus on simmering Muslim-Christian tensions after Benedict’s remarks on Islam, the heart of his trip will be the search for elusive Christian unity with Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul.......
A woman walks past posters advertising an anti-pope rally in Istanbul. Photograph: Osman Orsal/AP
Ian Traynor says in Guardian Pope on a tightrope for trickiest visit yet; Protests and violence likely as Benedict XVI heads to Istanbul while Tony Barber of FT says Turkey trip will test faiths.
In accordance, The Pope's visit to Turkey next week is so sensitive even the prime minister is making himself scarce, writes Mark Tran
Yusuf KANLI in Mental fatigue ahead of papal visit
It must be in Turkey’s best interests, if it really wants to contribute to an alliance of civilizations, to extend a warm hand of welcome to the pope rather than trying to avoid appearing in the same picture with him. If not mental fatigue, what else could the reason be behind such concerns?Posted by erkan at November 25, 2006 03:22 PM | TrackBack
Posted to Pope/Pope's Speech
Yes, I blogged on this issue today as well. I am expecting the Pope to be as unapologetic and combative as ever. If you look at his career, he isn't one for compromise. It will be interesting to see how the anti-papal rallies and protests turn out. Especially the Saadet Partisi one in Istanbul. Will there be violence I wonder??
Posted by: Istanbul Tory at November 25, 2006 03:14 PM