Vatican City, Feb 2, 2009 / 09:38 am
In his address to bishops from the Episcopal Conference of Turkey, who are visiting the Vatican for their “ad limina” visit, Pope Benedict XVI stressed that it is up to the Turkish State to “provide effective guarantees that all citizens and all religious communities may enjoy freedom of worship and religion.”
“In this context,” explained the Pope, “I am well aware of your desire and readiness to open a sincere dialogue with the authorities in order to find a solution to the various problems your communities have to face, such as recognition for the juridical status of the Catholic Church and her property."