The meeting with Bartholomew I, “which raises hopes for ecumenical dialogue”, and that with the Islamic world in the person of Turkey’s President of Religious Affairs: these, according to Otmar Oehring, head of the human rights section at “Missio”, the German Pontifical Missionary Society, and an expert on Islam and Turkey, will be the two key points of the forthcoming journey of Benedict XVI to Turkey (28 November – 1 December), the official programme for which was recently announced. “What’s important – explained Oehring to SIR – is that the themes of dialogue, both ecumenical and interfaith, be tackled at the highest level. But this journey will also be an opportunity for the Pope to meet the Turkish Church and learn of the difficulties it has to cope with in its everyday life”. According to Oehring “an improvement of the conditions of the religious minorities may be achieved not only by effective respect for religious freedom but also by a correct interpretation of the concept of secularism. Also in view of Turkey’s possible EU membership, this question represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the present government. In this sphere we will have to see what results the Pope’s visit may produce”.
