Pope in Turkey

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I hope Pope Benedict's visit turns out to be safe and satisfying for both sides in terms of the messages given for improved dialogue, understanding and support. I expect that such a visit should set an example in bringing these cultures closer together, increasing mutual familiarity, decreasing fear and distrust. Both the western world, especially the US and the EU, and the eastern world, especially the extremist Islamist groups, should closely follow this example and consider more moderation in their policies. - Ege Yildirim, Turkish student in New York

I think that (the pope) will move the Roman Catholic Church closer to the Orthodox Church. He is tactful, respectful, humble, and knowledgeable, and that is appreciated. As for the Muslims, no one can mend fences if there is no willingness for dialogue. I feel that if the press judges the pope based on what he will accomplish in that matter, he will be misjudged. Everything one can do in some situations is to defend the truth. - Elisabeth Heptner, USA

The pontiff's visit has extreme ramifications for all organized religions around the world. There needs to be more dialog, compassion, and understanding if religion is to survive. The common thread between all the devotions is the communication and ability of the religious forces to help keep peace in the world. It is within this universal compromise that all religious thought is correct and there is no one way to believe in the power of the universe, however you define it. This attempt by the pope is noble and important. I believe many feel this way, but there are those who do not. We pray for them and perhaps they will see the light. - J. Greenspan

I am a German and a Muslim. The utterances of the pope did not disturb me, as he cited history. The Catholic Church is anti-everything (except for their wrongdoings against choir-boys). On the other hand we Muslims have to respect that we are all children of the same Yahweh/God/Allah and that includes the Jews, who are by heritance the direct brothers of the Arabs. - Harm G. Frey

The raging crowds in Turkey are angry and it's their own fault. They are the hateful ones and the intolerant ones. There can be no dialogue until the angry crowds cool off and realize that they are wrong, not the pope. - Frank Garlo

By their very actions Turkish Muslims confirm that the papal quotes from a 14th century figure apply just as much to their culture today. Hopefully relations with Orthodox Christians will continue to improve. I can see no animosity between Orthodox and Catholic Christians at an individual level. That happy state of affairs needs to be "ratified" by the religious institutions concerned. I think we should all pray for the pope's safety. - George J. Berkowski

When Turks and Turkish media meet this man they will begin to listen -- not like the last time, when they went off crackers because they did not understand the nature of exploratory theological reminiscences. Their reaction was extremely disappointing and fed the voracious Western media, whose take then bled into those within the Muslim world who still see no option but to be hostile to any Christian initiative. The closed Muslim mind is almost a greater threat to a world coalition of culture, religious values and -- ultimately -- economic interests. The West awaits a Muslim renaissance, which will take nothing from its integrity but merely express its participation in the human story. Perceived threats of a world dominated by US financial interests will be allayed with a joint financial venture between the enormous wealth of the oil-rich Middle East and the West. In my country, Australia, we have a noble history of reconciliation with the Turkish people whose land our heroic military forces invaded at Gallipoli in 1915. Ataturk himself said in effect that the mothers of the Australian dead need not mourn because the Turkish people would honour the Australian soldiers who lay on their land: they would harbour them. And over the last twenty years my city of Melbourne has received tens of thousands of Turkish immigrants who build mosques and businesses and even sent one daughter to the rather expensive Roman Catholic school where I teach. Christianity has no borders. We are brought up (most of us) in the belief that Samaritans are the first instructors to us of who is a human being and thus worthy of honour and protection. - Herbie, Melbourne, Australia