11/30/2006

Mixed Messages?

The Pope Emphasizes Christian Roots of Europe

On his first day in Turkey, the pope seemingly supported Turkey's European Union aspirations. On Thursday, though, he emphasized Europe's Christian heritage. So which is it?

So far this week, it has been easy to forget that Pope Benedict XVI's original purpose for visiting Turkey was to repair relations with the Orthodox Church. Damage control -- made necessary by September comments which angered Muslims across the globe -- has seemed like the theme of his visit.

In Istanbul on Thursday, though, the pope celebrated a joint ceremony with Orthodox leader Ecumenical Patriarch Barholomew I on the occasion of the feast day of St. Andrew. In comments afterward, Benedict bemoaned divisions among Christians. "The divisions which exist among Christians are a scandal to the world," he said. The pope has made healing the 1,000-year rift between Catholics and Orthodox a priority for his papacy.

But while the pope has gone out of his way throughout his visit to emphasize the common roots between Christians and Muslims, he may have gone a step too far in his zeal to unify the Christian world. He said that Christians should "renew Europe's awareness of its Christian roots, traditions and values, giving them new vitality."

The comments come just two days after he said -- according to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- that the Vatican supported Turkish EU membership. Indeed, just as his Tuesday comments provided a needed lifeline to an embattled Turkey fighting this week for its EU life, the pope's Thursday statements could hand ammunition to those in Europe opposed to allowing a predominantly Muslim Turkey into the club.

Benedict also took some time out for a bit of symbolic tourism on Thursday, visiting the 1,500 year old Haghia Sophia -- an ancient Christian church which became a mosque in the 15th century before becoming a museum in 1935. He then went to the 17th century Blue Mosque nearby, where he prayed alongside an Islamic cleric as a gesture of good will to Muslims.

"This visit will help us find together the way of peace for the good of all humanity," the pope said before leaving the mosque.

Security was extremely tight in Istanbul for the pope's visit with sharpshooters posted on the Haghia Sophia's minarets and hundreds of police virtually sealing off the city center.

ffr/afp/AP

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