As it happened: Pope Francis in first day of historic visit to Turkey
ANKARA
AA photo
Pope Francis has arrived in Turkey for a three-day visit that many are billing as an opportunity to increase dialogue between the Muslim and Christian worlds at a time of increased religious tension.
In the fourth ever visit of a pope to Turkey, Pope Francis started his trip on Nov. 28 by visiting Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In line with his taboo-breaking style, the pontiff made a series of unscheduled stops at the final resting place of the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
During the joint conference with Erdoğan, Pope said he hopes Turkey can be a "great peacemaker," while warning against "fanaticism and fundamentalism." Turkish President Erdoğan, meanwhile, expressed disillusionment about the international response to the massacres in Syria and the coup in Egypt. Pope Francis had hosted Egyptian President Abdulfattah al-Sisi only four days ago in Vatican.
Here are the updates as they happened throughout the day:
18.00 - The pope's official program for the first day of his visit to Turkey has ended.
17.50 - The pontiff stressed the common religious practices of Christians and Muslims, like respecting Abraham as an ancestor and fasting. He concluded his speech by promising to pray for the well-being of Görmez.
17.48 - After noting that Pope Benedict XVI had also visited the Diyanet during a trip to Turkey in 2006, Pope Francis said "dialogue acquires more importance during times of crises," while emphasizing the "tragedy" in Iraq and Syria.
17.43 - Pope Francis begins his speech by thanking Görmez "as the respected head of this important institution."
17.32 - In the joint conference, Diyanet head Mehmet Görmez stressed that Islam is a "religion of peace." "We have pulled the world to the brink of disasters with our own hands. We can't put the whole responsibility on evil forces," he said, stressing that everyone has a responsibility for the emergence of today's tragedies. "Those who speak on behalf of God," like fundamentalists, are part of the problem, Görmez added. Terrorism is "a rebellion against God, and as Muslims we reject this extremism and bloodshed," he stated.
17.15 - Pope Francis arrives at Turkey's Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) to meet the institution's head, Mehmet Görmez. A joint conference is expected to follow the meeting.
16.24 - Concluding his speech, Pope Francis said Turkey has a responsibility in solving the problems of the region. "God bless Turkey and make it a great peacemaker," he said. The two leaders left the conference room together after shaking hands.
16.23 - "The problems [in the Middle East] cannot be solved by military means only," Pope Francis said, in an apparent reference to the international fight against ISIL. "Fanaticism and fundamentalism, as well as irrational fears which foster misunderstanding and discrimination, need to be countered by the solidarity of all believers," he added.
16.20 - The pope said fratricide in the Middle East should be halted, and fanaticism and fundamentalism should be opposed by all. "Terror attacks are seen particularly In Iraq and Syria, with many attacks against minorities," he added. He thanked Turkey for hosting refugees from the war "generously."
16.18 - Pope Francis stressed the importance of the freedom of the press, adding that the world, particularly the Middle East, is waiting for the "blossoming" of democracy.
16.16 - "We need dialogue. Muslims, Jews and Christians should have same rights and duties under the law," the pontiff said.
16.14 - Pope Francis began his speech by noting that Anatolia is a pilgrimage site for Christians around the world.