BISHOPS OF TURKEY, ON "AD LIMINA" VISIT, WELCOMED BY POPE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning welcomed the bishops of Turkey's episcopal conference, as they conclude their "ad limina" visit. In his talk to them in French, he highlighted their "Ecclesial Assembly" project, religious freedom, the need for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life and the catechesis of both young people and adults.

In opening remarks he referred to the recent festivities in Istanbul in honor of John XXIII, who was a former nuncio to Turkey and known, as John Paul recalled, as "the Pope, friend of the Turks." Turkish authorities honored John XXIII by giving his name to the street where the former residence and office of the apostolic delegation is located.

The Holy Father spoke of the bishops' relations with both the Turkish people and their dialogue with the country's leaders: "It is in this way that the Church ... will further find her place in the life of the nation. Indeed, freedom of religion and worship, which cannot be disassociated from freedom of conscience, is an essential element for good coexistence at a local level. Every State, helped by its inhabitants, is called to be vigilant in this area."
Turning then to the episcopal conference's plans, currently underway, for an "Ecclesial Assembly," consisting of meetings at both diocesan and national levels, he said: "This gathering will give ... a new elan and renewed ardor to your Christian communities, often fragile and dispersed, so that the Church in Turkey goes forth in the new millennium with confidence and courage."

"The Church of Christ," he went on, "must be truly inserted into the life of Turkish society. That presupposes a work of adaptation, already largely undertaken, at the level of liturgy, translation of the Word of God and catechetical instruments: it also implies an important investment ... so that the priests and religious who come to Turkey learn the country's language, its history, customs and culture."

The Holy Father suggested "going even further" and "fostering vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life among young Catholics in Turkey. ... Youth, as you know, are not lacking in generosity or aspirations to an ideal; they will welcome this call if they find in their midst available and attentive witnesses."

He then spoke of the education of young people, especially in the faith, highlighting Catholic schools and thanking the religious congregations that run them. "May all families," he added, "become better aware of the importance of transmitting the faith to the younger generations. This calls for parents themselves to have a good Christian formation and then eventually to actively participate in catechesis!"

Pope John Paul underscored how, in their reports, the bishops acknowledged the difficulties encountered regarding marriage "in a society where the Christian ideals of fidelity and indissolubility are poorly perceived." He encouraged all pastors to support Christian families in their daily life and to encourage couples to give support to each other.

He dedicated observations to the relations between Catholics and non-Catholics Christians and to the daily encounters, through culture and people, between Catholics and Muslims. He encouraged both ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, urging the bishops to use every occasion to further both.

Regarding Islam, he urged the bishops to "continue your efforts to create and favor occasions for dialogue, first in daily life, and then in the different areas where people meet: schools, ... commitments in profession and social life, and in service to solidarity and mutual assistance."

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