POPE BENEDICT XVI TO MAKE "TOURISTIC" VISIT TO HAGIA SOPHIA

Hurriyet, Turkey
Nov 21 2006

With Pope Benedict XVI scheduled to visit Turkey between November
28-December 1, the Vatican has confirmed that the leader of the
Catholic church will in fact be touring Istanbul’s historical Hagia
Sophia museum.

The news, published on the Vatican’s official web site, appeared to put
an end to speculation about whether Pope Benedict XVI would pray at the
Hagia Sophia, and event which many have noted could cause controversy
throughout Turkey. The Pope’s strictly touristic visit to the Hagia
Sophia will take part in between two masses the Catholic leader is
planning on attending with Christian communities in Istanbul, one
at the Greek Orthodox Saint Andreas church, and one at the Armenian
Church of the Apostles. During his visit, Pope Benedict XVI will be
meeting with Greek Patriarch Bartholomeus, as well as with Mesrob II,
the leader of the Armenian religious community in Turkey.