On the last day of his visit to Turkey, Pope Francis held a joint service in Istanbul together with Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s 250 million Orthodox Christians.
Francis’ trip is aimed at promoting interfaith harmony in the pre-dominantly Muslim country, which has a small Christian community of around 120 000 and has a reputation for religious tolerance.
The Pople was also due to meet with Turkey’s chief rabbi on Sunday. The country’s Jewish community has dwindled to around 17 000.
He’s also scheduled a meeting with a group of Syrian refugees. In view of what is happening in Iraq and Syria, his visit has taken on greater symbolism.
Yesterday the Pope visited Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque where he turned towards Mecca and paused as the Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, recited a Muslim prayer.
He’s also scheduled a meeting with a group of Syrian refugees. In view of what is happening in Iraq and Syria, his visit has taken on greater symbolism.