In addition to the less than high-level official reception, protesters in Istanbul November 26 rallied against the pontiff’s visit, drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators. One speaker was cheered when he described the pope as the enemy of all Muslims and proclaimed that he should never be allowed to enter a Muslim country.
The protests were caused by remarks Pope Benedict XVI made at a lecture at the University of Regensburg, in his native Bavaria in September, in which he made reference to a 14th century Byzantine emperor, who had characterized the teachings of the prophet Mohammed as “evil and inhuman.” Although the pope swiftly expressed regret for the flap, his remarks infuriated many Muslims.
During the visit scheduled for November 28-30 the Pope will attend Ankara, Ephesus and Istanbul. The pontiff said he is facing the visit to Turkey and its people with deep respect.
