Turks surprised by Pope, says bishops’ spokesman
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Istanbul, Turkey, Dec 1, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The spokesman for the Bishops’ Conference of Turkey, Msgr. Georges Marovitch, said Turks have been surprised by the Holy Father’s visit to their country.

In comments to the SIR news agency, Msgr. Marovitch said on the streets of Istanbul he is hearing encouraging comments such as, “They should let him (the Pope) come every year,” and “He is not an enemy of Islam, he’s welcome here.”

The bishops’ spokesman added that people seem to be “happy that the Pope is in their country.”  “Many Muslim friends have confirmed this.  They have not stood in the way of such a beloved Pontiff, who has every desire to identify with the Turkish reality.  His meetings with the Prime Minister Erdogan, with President Sezer and with the Minister of Religious Affairs, Bardakoglu, marked a crucial point in his trip, relaxing the tensions of past days.”

Not even the threats of Al Qaeda “have dampened the optimism of the Pope,” Msgr. Marovitch stated, adding that “after his first encounter with Bartholomew I, he looked happy and satisfied.  The climate is relaxed and we can hope it remains so even after his departure, especially regarding our minority Christian and Catholic communities, that will be encouraged and reaffirmed to continue ahead after this visit.”

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Subscriber comments:
Published by: Anna Chaney
Irving TX 12/10/2006 01:12 AM EST
I'm deeply impressed that to the Holy Father obediance to Christ's wish "that they may all be one" were more deer than his own life.
A true Vicar of Christ.
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Published by: Sister Jane Ducharme
Canada 12/09/2006 09:50 AM EST
Our Holy Father was so brave and courageous to go ahead with his trip when all around him were threats of hatred and violence. He stood for truth in a world that wanted to dilute and twist his words in Germany. Thank you God for protecting our Pope!
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Published by: Mary
Ridgefield Park, NJ USA 12/08/2006 02:27 PM EST
This is the best news! Pope Benedict is truly blessed - and so are we to have him as our Pope!!God is good!
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Published by: Jim
Port Orange/FL 12/01/2006 05:52 PM EST
Praise God for this day of hope shining so brightly in the middle of so many darkened moments about the earth. Thank you Papa Benedict! Thank you Jesus!
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