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Pope Benedict XVI Visits Turkey: A Wish for Understanding between Cultures and Religions

The pope originally wanted to visit Turkey a year ago. His primary purpose was to improve relations with the world’s 220 million Orthodox Christians. That purpose remains. However, the pope’s speech about faith and reason this past September offended many in the Muslim world. The pope also warned that violence and religious extremism are incompatible with God's nature. Many Muslim clerics and leaders responded to the pope’s remarks insisting they were evidence of ignorance about Islam. They were also angered by the pope’s reference to religious violence and the Prophet Muhammad. However, other Muslims insisted that the continuing value of dialogue and harmony between faiths is more urgent than ever. Shortly after giving the speech, Pope Benedict remarked that the medieval text which he quoted did not express his personal opinion, adding the speech was an invitation to respectful dialogue.

Day-by Day Highlights of the Pope’s Historic Trip
November 28—Ankara, Turkey
The pope's chartered Alitalia jet landed in Ankara. He was quickly escorted to a VIP airport lounge for a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Police security for the four-day trip was tight, helicopters hovered overhead and police snipers were posted on rooftops. The pope greeted his hosts with friendly overtures and called for brotherhood between Christians and Muslims. He repeatedly emphasized the need for “authentic dialog based on truth and inspired by a sincere wish to know one another better, strengthening the bond of affection to live together in harmony, peace, and mutual trust.” However, the pope did not back away from the message central to his world view that denounces violence cloaked in religious fervor. Benedict clearly wishes that all religions must refuse to sanction violence so that people are allowed to worship freely. The pope also softened his opposition to Turkey’s membership in the European Union. This gesture of goodwill comes at a delicate time in regard to overall relations between Muslims and the West and in regard to the pope’s own damaged reputation among Muslims. All in all, newspaper headlines in Ankara called the first day of the papal visit a positive start for building mutual trust between the Muslim world and the West.

November 29—Ephesus and Istanbul
The pope celebrated an outdoor Mass in Ephesus. Some people believe the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life in this rustic site. A small group of about 250 people participated in the papal Mass. A quick snapshot of Turkey’s 70 million people shows a small population of only 20,000 Catholics. The quiet hillside atmosphere was one of peace. Later in the day Pope Benedict traveled to Istanbul to pray with Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to renew commitment to the search for Christian unity. Both leaders praised recent ecumenical breakthroughs in a spirit of renewed love. The prayer service served as a mutual bridge for new relations toward ecumenical progress. In addition, the pope was eager to highlight concerns over Christian minorities in the Muslim world.

November 30—Istanbul
The pope visited Istanbul’s famed Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) and the Blue Mosque. Consecrated in 360 AD, Hagia Sophia stood as the mother church for Eastern Christians. In later centuries it became a coveted prize of Islam’s expansion. As the day progressed the pope continued his pilgrimage by visiting the Blue Mosque and paused in silent prayer alongside an Islamic cleric. It was a historic moment for interfaith solidarity and respect as Benedict XVI made this comment, “This visit will help us find together the way of peace for the good of all humanity.” The Blue Mosque was built in the 17th century and is considered one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture. It is famously known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles that decorate the interior of the mosque.

December 1—Istanbul and the pope’s return trip to Rome
It is difficult to evaluate the impact and significance of the pope’s historic visit to Turkey. Leading secular media sources (newspapers, TV, and magazines) in America provided major coverage of the event in the first days of the pope’s visit. Coverage dwindled in the last few days of the trip and was hardly noticed by the last day of the visit. However, coverage in Catholic media sources provided major coverage throughout all four days of the papal visit. At farewell ceremonies, the pope himself said, “I am leaving part of my heard in Istanbul, in this magnificent city….I thank the Lord for having been able to give a sign of this dialogue and greater understanding between religions and cultures, in particular with Islam.” The governor of Istanbul thanked the pope personally for “his statements on Islam, which have made us happy.” Indeed, the pope has made this challenge to everyone: How do we regardless of religious affiliation work together for greater understanding, dialogue, and peace? It is this exact question that the pope is challenging the entire world to achieve, namely, a world of genuine friendship and respect.

What Difference Does This Make in My Life?
1. What is the value of understanding and respecting world religions?

2. What are some specific ways that authentic dialog across all religious traditions foster a genuine ability to know one another better?

3. What are some specific ways that authentic dialog fosters a deeper understanding between cultures?

4. At what age can children learn and respect the religious beliefs and practices of their friends and neighbors? What is the value of inter-religious friendships? How does it promote peace? Freedom? Justice?

5. What impressed you the most about the pope’s four-day pilgrimage to Turkey? How do you see the pope’s trip improving Vatican relationships with the Muslim world? With Eastern Christianity? With the good of all humanity?

6. Comment on this remark that pope made during his pilgrimage to Turkey: “Respectful dialogue must be the basis for ending terrorism, wars, and religious differences in the world.”

7. Read and discuss John 14:1-4. Why does Jesus reassure people about the value and rewards of trusting in God? He is our Father and heaven is his home—with room for everyone.

8. Closing reflection. Read and discuss.
“Love and say it with your life,” said St. Augustine.
Without a love that forgives, without reconciliation,
what future is possible for human beings?
At the beginning of a new millennium,
in some people there is an impulse to seek reconciliation,
not just among Christians,
but in the most diverse situation among people and families.
An ecumenical vocation that is not made concrete in reconciliation
becomes something illusory.
--Brother Roger of Taize

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Theme: Jesus Teaches Us about Prayer, Peace, Justice, and Service
Kindergarten, chapter 8
Grade 1, chapter 19
Grade 2, chapter 15
Grade 3, chapter 18
Grade 4, chapter 18
Grade 5, chapter 20
Grade 6, chapter 19
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 12
Junior High, Church and Sacraments, chapter 8
Junior High, Morality: Life in Christ, chapter 6
Junior High, Jesus in the New Testament, chapter 1
Special note: The biweekly Current Events articles have also been useful to supplement high school religion classes

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
Theme: Jesus Teaches Us about Prayer, Peace, Justice, and Service
Kindergarten, chapter 8
Grade 1, chapter 19
Grade 2, chapter 15
Grade 3, chapter 18
Grade 4, chapter 18
Grade 5, chapter 20
Grade 6, chapter 19
Junior High: Liturgy and Morality, chapter 10
Junior High: Creed and Prayer, chapter 16
Special note: The biweekly Current Events articles have also been useful to supplement high school religion classes.