The Pope reassures Muslims during Turkish trip
| Publisher | EurasiaNet |
| Author | Patrick Andrade |
| Publication Date | 1 December 2006 |
| Cite as | EurasiaNet, The Pope reassures Muslims during Turkish trip, 1 December 2006, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/46ef87b332.html [accessed 8 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Patrick Andrade 12/01/06
Pope Benedict XVI reassured wary Muslims and promoted reconciliation among Christians during a four-day trip to Turkey that concluded December 1. Photographer Patrick Andrade followed the pope during his trip. A selection of Andrade's images is presented in this EurasiaNet photo essay.
Benedict XVI angered Muslims in September by quoting a 14th-century Byzantine emperor, who disparaged Islam as "evil and inhuman." A significant portion of the pope's trip to Turkey was devoted to repairing the damage done by that speech. In Istanbul, the pope visited the Blue Mosque, where he prayed with the Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Mustafa Cagrici.
Benedict XVI also expressed support of Turkey's bid for membership in the European Union. "How can we fail to think of the various events which took place here and forged our common history?" the pope said.
