Vital necessity

Inter-religious and intercultural dialogue as “vital necessity”, and the commitment of Christians and Muslims to recall “the attention of the truth of the sacred character and dignity of the person as the basis of mutual respect and esteem”, were some of the appeals made by the Pope during his recent journey to Turkey. During his visit he had occasion to meet (among others) Alì Bardakoglu, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkey (Diyanet), who had criticized him so much after his lecture in Regensburg. Benedict XVI’s visit to Turkey was marked by “historic” gestures such as his visit to the Blue Mosque, where the Pope prayed together with the Grand Mufti of Istanbul. On the repercussions of the Pope’s visit in the field of dialogue with Islam, SIR put some questions to the expert and consultant for Islam of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (Comece), Father Hans Vöcking. One of the moments that will remain hewn into the history of this journey was the prayer in the Blue Mosque – perhaps unexpected, in view of the controversies that exploded after Regensburg. An ecumenical journey that also revived dialogue with Islam: do you agree? “The Pope’s lecture in Regensburg aroused very negative reactions in Turkey. The President of the Diyanet, Alì Bardakoglu, immediately reacted adversely and yet I think now, after Benedict XVI’s journey and the meeting between the two, points of contact and of dialogue have been established. I think that the Pope’s gestures did make a positive impression on many Turks. Both Benedict XVI and Bardakoglu, in their speeches, immediately demonstrated a positive attitude to dialogue between Islam and Christianity that must also focus on differences in faith. In their declarations both remarked on this aspect: differences form part of the dialogue. That seems to me a good thing also for dialogue with Islam in Europe”. Does this emphasis on the differences between the two faiths perhaps represent something new in interfaith dialogue? “Not exactly. But after the lecture in Regensburg there was a very negative attitude towards the Pope in Turkey. The two leaders are of the view that dialogue between Christians and Muslims is necessary, but that we need to be conscious of the differences between them”. The Pope also touched on such questions as religious freedom, respect for human rights, the condemnation of terrorism and found an ally in Bardakoglu… “To really understand the Holy Father’s attitude to dialogue with Islam we need to examine the text of his speeches both to Bardakoglu and to the Diplomatic Corps. At the Diyanet, Benedict clearly explained that if we truly wish to enter into dialogue, and if we wish it to bear fruit, we must ensure that it be truthful, and that it be conducted in fidelity to the truth. In this sense he spoke of differences in faith. And this is very important. To the Diplomatic Corps, on the other hand, he spoke of religious freedom for the individual, both in private and in public, not only at the personal or exclusively at the community level. It is important that Turkey, as a secular Republic, should truly practice religious freedom for everyone. The practice of religious freedom is a conditio sine qua non for her entry into the European Union”. In this regard Erdogan reported that Benedict XVI is favourable to Turkey’s entry into Europe. What do you think? “I have read what is reported by the papers and the statements of the director of the Holy See’s Press Room, Father Lombardi. I think there is a difference in view between Benedict XVI and Turkish Premier Erdogan. The Pope has always spoken of Europe and European values; Turkey must take on board this conception of Europe. According to Erdogan, the Pope defended the Turkish cause for her entry into the EU, interpreting the Europe about which the Pope spoke with the European Union. So there is a divide between the Pope and the Turkish Prime Minister. We should also recall that on the day preceding the Pope’s departure for Turkey, the Holy See, in a statement, had declared that it is not competent to take a position on Turkey’s entry into the EU. The Director of the Press Room, Father Lombardi, repeated this position on 29 November i.e. on the day after the Pope’s meeting with Erdogan. Benedict XVI has supported the idea of Europe as a nation, which is a greater concept than that of the European Union. But Erdogan limited this Europe to the European Union”. What effects might this visit have in Europe, on dialogue with Islam? “The success of this journey will undoubtedly give new impetus to the inter-religious dialogue with Islam, in particular in Western Europe. At the present time this dialogue has been stalled due to the terrorist attacks of Islamic extremists. The Pope’s wish is that this dialogue should be revived: it is a duty he underlined several times, even before on his departure for Italy. It is up to us Christians to follow the Pope’s indications and embody them in our national situations. Issues and questions typical of the countries in which we live can in fact influence dialogue”.