” “"The memory is still clear and vivid. Unfortunately, after his visit, things didn’t change much, and we are still waiting for the much longed-for juridical acknowledgement". Just before the festival of Saint Andrew, on November 30th, and one year after the visit paid by Benedict XVI to Turkey, those words were spoken by Msgr. Ruggero Franceschini, archbishop of Izmir. At the time of the visit, he was the president of Turkish bishops. "There are a lot of new vocations from Poland, France, Romania, and India. There are also two Turkish vocations said the archbishop to SIR, – but these young people would hardly accept this situation. Great patience is necessary. We live in a lay republic which does not leave us a centimetre. There are also those who remember how, during the period of the Sultan, the Church was more appreciated and respected, while now it is another kettle of fish". (To be continued)” “
