Patriarch hopes papal trip to Turkey will help Orthodox minority

Published: 2006-10-26

ROME (CNS) -- Global interest in Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming trip to Turkey has focused on relations with Muslims, especially after the pope's recent remarks on Islam and the controversy that followed. But the Nov. 28-Dec. 1 visit also will highlight the tiny but historic Greek Orthodox community in Turkey and its struggle for religious freedom. In fact, it was Istanbul-based Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who first invited the pope to visit as a demonstration of ongoing dialogue between the Christians of East and West -- an aspect overshadowed by the latest controversy with Islam. In an apparent desire to put ecumenical relations and Christian issues back on the map, Patriarch Bartholomew recently held meetings with reporters, outlining his expectations for the papal trip. "We are awaiting the pope's visit with fraternal love and great anticipation. It will be very important for our country and for Catholic-Orthodox relations," the patriarch said in late September. The tentative papal program includes several events hosted by the patriarchate: vespers, a Divine Liturgy, private talks between the pope and the patriarch, and the signing of a joint ecumenical declaration.

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