Journal 35 – Pope Benedict XVI Will Visit Turkey

Pope Benedict XVI will travel to Turkey. Pope’s visit will last from November 28 to December 1, 2006. The pope was invited by Bartholomew I who is the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Pope Benedict XVI will participate in the feast day services in the Church of Constantinople. This will be the first official visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate a pope of Rome in over 1000 years.
Bartholomew I, 66, has his headquarters in Istanbul once ancient Constantinople. He is the well-educated clergy and speaks a few languages: Latin, Greek, Turkish, French, English, Italian and German.
Turkey is a Muslim country. Authorities expect protests against the pope. The pope angered Muslims by a speech he made in September in Germany. His Holiness quoted a Byzantine emperor’s remarks about Islam and violence.
Benedict XVI is a professor of theology and the well-known Catholic intellectualist.
Pope’s visit has political aspect, too. Pope Benedict XVI will also meet with Turkey’s president and the deputy premier. Turkey is aspiring to be a member European Union. Possible protests could cause problems for Turkey ahead of a critical EU summit in mid-December. In this summit the EU leaders will judge Ankara’s progress for membership.