The official visit to Turkey by Benedict XVI will take place as planned. Confirmation came at the end of the assembly of the Turkish Episcopal Conference held today in Istanbul, also in the presence of Monsignor Piero Marini, head of the office for papal liturgical celebrations. SIR learned this from the spokesman for the Turkish bishops, Monsignor Georges Marovitch. Following the protests in the Muslim world, including Turkey, resulting from the Pope’s speech at Regensburg University, the Pope’s visit appeared to be in doubt. Clarifications came today. "The visit will be held as planned" declared the spokesman, adding that "it will last until December 1st, when in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, the Pope will meet local Catholic communities belonging to the various rituals. The Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I, will also attend the function. This meeting with Monsignor Marini in fact was held to specify the liturgies. There was no word of meeting with Islamic representatives or leaders.
