I am seriously concerned about the Pope.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

I can't believe he's visiting Turkey. They are gunning for him. Is he TRYING to fulfill prophesy or something?!
Duckie

[Matilda]

1. It's a worry, but of course he can't withdraw now.

I think the Popemobile has bullet-proof protection, and apart from that, he's just got to trust in
God and tight security.

[CBHagman]

2. My main concern is that there be no violence at all.

What really worries me is the possibility of rising tensions and ensuing violence, and not just against the pope.

But I tend to believe the Turks are taking the security very seriously indeed, as well as the desire to be part of Europe and therefore get through this particular experience. That sounds a little dismissive of the actual mission, and it's not meant to be. But Turkey and Europe, as well as Islam and Catholicism, are going to have to cultivate dialogue no matter what happens.

[hedgehog]

3. The oddest part is that this is an outreach to the Orthodox, not to Islam.

[knitter4democracy]

4. The meetings seemed to go well.

I do wonder if we'll ever heal the Great Schism. There are certain things that I'm sure our Patriarchs won't give on, and I'm not sure Pope Benedict will be comfortable giving on them. It would be nice to be in full communion, though.