An opportunity for two

Even when considering the recent attacks by the autonomists from Kurdistan, one should not be afraid of Turkeys’ eventual membership in the European Union. On the contrary: this could be an important opportunity for Ankara, and also for Europe. The Archbishop of Smyrna, Monsignor RUGGERO FRANCESCHINI , and Italian Capuchin, since 1993 Bishop and Apostolic Vicar of Anatolia, is convinced of this. He had previously led the Capuchin mission in Turkey for 6 ears and cooperated in the restoration of Christian locations in the Southern part of the country. What changes have you noticed now in Turkey?“Turkish society had made many efforts to become more modern during these years. In particular, a number of economic and industrial elites that are mainly Levantine, hence formed by Turks who are the children of European immigrants belonging to the Christian religion. These elites are now trying to join forces with the Turks as much as they can, increasing shared ways of perception and life. An opening from the European Union would be seen as an opportunity”.Above all Europe fears fundamentalism and emphasises that Turkey still has a long way to go as far as human rights, religious freedom etc are concerned…“There is still a long way to go, also considering how large this country is and the many differences, for example, between the East and the West. However, if one reasons on entry in the EU, it is best to appreciate the positive effects. There is the possibility of fundamentalism, and Turkey is not free from the attractions of Iran and Syria. But if the scales fall towards Europe this would in some way help Ankara to free itself from these influences, it would strengthen processes involving tolerance, and then of course that paying special attention to Turkey would have a positive effect on a vast area in the Middle East”.As far as freedom of worship is concerned, recent events such as the murder of the Italian priest, Father Andrea Santoro, have attracted attention to the difficulties experienced by Christians in Turkey…“One must first distinguish correctly. Let us address relationships with Islam. In reality within Turkish society, Christians and Muslims basically get along well. In fact, the country’s history proves how in the past there has been a fecund history of coexisting and tolerance. These recent episodes are isolated ones. There is a fundamentalist and extremist wing, in which religious motivations often merge with political ones to destabilise the country. There is no persecution of Christian in Turkey, although they find it hard to be present in a context marked by Islam. There are very few of us in Turkey, about 30 thousand Catholics and 100 thousand members of the Orthodox Church and very few Protestants. We also have little visibility”.The secular State however does not acknowledge Latin Christians…“Generally speaking the State ignores all religions: they are restricted to a private sphere. In reality, the whole of society is impregnated with Islam. Roman Catholics in theory do not exist. According to the government I am only Mr. Franceschini and I am not supposed to leave my home wearing anything that clearly indicates the religion I belong to. There are many restrictions. For this reason too however – returning to the subject of Europe – we believe that possible EU membership will lead to a debate on this subject and the acknowledgment of greater rights… In the meantime however we must acquire greater visibility”.What do you mean?“This means becoming even more involved in social work and in our attention to dignified poverty that accepts aid willingly if it is discreet. We must increasingly become part of the vital fabric of Turkish society, close to the people and the daily problems they experience. We need greater representation in the right places and above all we need to stand out in aid work at the service of all people. This means greater visibility… We must make an effort to be increasingly present, in a discreet manner, with an evangelical and proposing style in a land that is also rich in Christian testimonies”.What do you expect from Pope Benedict XVI coming visit?“Above all we expect improvement in the already good relations between ourselves and the Muslims. Above all we expect the Church itself, as a small group of Christians, to grow in desire and not in fear; the desire to become friends even with those who are mistrustful. The Pope’s presence will be an opportunity for many Turks to get to know a paternal man who pays great attention to all human beings; and special attention to the Muslims”.The Pope will also visit the Greek-Orthodox Patriarch. Will this be an opportunity for confirming the ecumenical dialogue? “It will be an opportunity for reconfirming a friendship that is already a firm one; at the same time it could be an opportunity for clarifying a number of not very serious problems that at times cause problems on the path to unity”.