Official Program From November 28th to December 1st 2006 Pope Benedict XVI visits Ankara, Ephesus, and Istanbul, three important Turkish cities, continuing the great ecumenical efforts of their predecessors, in search of unity.

Tuesday, november 28: Ankara

• 13.00 Arrival at Esemboğa International Airport
• Visit to the Atatürk Mausoleum
• Welcome ceremony and courtesy visit to the President of the Republic
• Meeting with the Prime Minister
• Meeting with the President of Religious Affairs
• Meeting with the Diplomatic Corps

Wednesday, november 29: Ephesus and Istanbul

• Holy Mass Homily of the Holy Father
• Moment of prayer at the Patriarchal Church of St. George and private meeting with H.H. Bartholomew I

Thursday, november 30: Istanbul

• Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George
• Visit to the Museum of Hagia Sofia
• Moment of prayer to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and meeting with H.B. Patriarch Mesrob II
• Meeting with H.E. the Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan
• Meeting with the Grand Rabbi of Turkey
• Meeting and dinner with the members of the Catholic Episcopal Conference

Friday, december 1: Istanbul

• Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
• Farewell ceremony at the Airport of Istanbul
• 13.15 Departure from the Airport of Istanbul to Rome