Ecumenical Orthodox patriarch invites pope to Turkey in November

Published: 2004-07-02

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II is considering traveling to Turkey in late November to join Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople in celebrating the feast of St. Andrew, patron of the patriarchate. Patriarch Bartholomew, who was in Rome for the June 29 feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Vatican's patrons, told reporters he had invited the pope to come to Istanbul. "He was very pleased by the invitation and I have the impression that it could occur Nov. 30 for the feast of St. Andrew," Patriarch Bartholomew told reporters July 1 before leaving Rome. The patriarch said he would send a formal letter of invitation once he returned to Turkey. Passionist Father Ciro Benedettini said July 2 that the pope himself said he was considering making the trip.

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