Preparations for Benedict XVI’s next apostolic journey, that to Turkey (28 November – 1 December), continue apace. The controversies aroused in Turkey, too, after the Pope’s lecture in Regensburg had led some analysts to assume that the visit would be postponed, but this has not happened. Indeed yesterday the European Parliament expressed the hope that “the Pope’s journey to Turkey would contribute to inter-religious and intercultural dialogue”. Adopting the Camiel Eurlings report with 429 votes in favour, 71 against and 125 abstentions, the Parliament emphasized that the reinforcement of links between Turkey and the European Union “is of fundamental importance for the EU, for Turkey and for the whole region”, but it also criticised the slowdown of reforms in Turkey. In particular, MEPs deplored the lack of progress in ensuring freedom of religion and renewed an invitation to the Turkish authorities to take concrete steps in favour of religious minorities. In forcefully condemning the assassination of Father Andrea Santoro, the report urges the protection of the fundamental rights of all Christian minorities and communities in Turkey. The Parliament also asked “that religious education be voluntary for everyone and not only regard the Sunni religion, and that those who do not intend to avail themselves of religious education be offered alternative teaching that would embrace ethics”.
