On the eve of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Turkey, the protesters are filling the streets:
ISTANBUL, Turkey — More than 25,000 people joined demonstrations Sunday against Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming visit, police said.
The demonstration was the largest anti-pope protest so far ahead of Benedict’s arrival Tuesday for a four-day visit, his first as pope to a predominantly Muslim country. Some 4,000 police backed by riot trucks, armored vehicles and helicopters monitored the protest as the crowds grew.
The protest was organized by a pro-Islamic political party called Felicity whose leaders have said they were offended by Benedict’s comments in September linking violence and Islam.
Not to mention the fact that Benedict has previously placed himself at the forefront of the debate over the future of Europe:
Benedict has few fans in Turkey, which is hoping to become the first predominantly Muslim member of the European Union. The pope has previously spoken out against Turkey’s EU bid, and has called for a return to fundamental Christian values in Europe.
Should be an interesting week.
November 27th, 2006 at 12:12 am
Turks are looking a bit foolish
November 27th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Here is a very interesting news story on Pope and Turkey. It actually also shows some common grounds. The story is from RFERL but appears in HULIQ at http://www.huliq.com/198/turkey-popes-visit-a-milestone-for-christians-and-muslims
I think this is a great opportunity to strengthen the Christian Muslim dialogue.
November 28th, 2006 at 9:50 am
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