Attention in mainly Muslim Turkey, though, was focussed on surprise moves by Benedict on arrival on Tuesday: his support for Ankara’s bid to join the European Union and praise for the faith Muslims feel he had insulted in the past. His speech in September that seemed to link Islam and violence – a link he denied making – turned it into a symbolic visit to the Muslim world crucial for the future of Vatican relations with Islam.
Some Turkish newspapers met with excitement the statements of the Pope who encouraged Ankara’s aspiration to the EU. “This trip is important for Turkey’s EU membership. This is a big warning for conservative politicians who think the EU is a Christian club,” reported Milliyet daily. “It started beautifully: the Pope told the world from Ankara that Islam was a religion of peace,” said Hurriyet newspaper.
However, information agencies say there were no people in the streets meeting the Pontiff, what proves the absence of interest of the population to the Pope’s visit, reports the BBC Russian branch.
