JUST AND LASTING SOLUTIONS TO CONFLICTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

VATICAN CITY, 7 JAN 2010 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of Kenan Gursoy, the new ambassador of Turkey to the Holy See.

  At the beginning of his English-language address to the diplomat, the Pope recalled how "we are fast approaching the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Holy See, a fruit of the pontificate of my predecessor Pope John XXIII".

  Referring then to his own journey to Turkey in November 2006, Benedict XVI noted that "it was my first visit as Pope to a predominantly Islamic country. I was glad to be able to express my esteem for Muslims and to reiterate the commitment of the Catholic Church to carry forward inter-religious dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect and friendship, bearing joint witness to the firm faith in God that characterises Christians and Muslims, and striving to know one another better so as to strengthen the bonds of affection between us".

  After then highlighting how "Catholics in Turkey appreciate the freedom of worship that is guaranteed by the Constitution, and are pleased to be able to contribute to the wellbeing of their fellow citizens, especially through involvement in charitable activity and healthcare", the Holy Father highlighted the fact that "the Catholic Church in Turkey is waiting for civil juridical recognition. This would help her to enjoy full religious freedom and to make an even greater contribution to society", he said.

  "Turkey is well placed to act as a bridge between Islam and the West, and to make a significant contribution to the effort to bring peace and stability to the Middle East. ... As history has so often shown, territorial disputes and ethnic rivalries can only be satisfactorily resolved when the legitimate aspirations of each party are duly taken into account, past injustices acknowledged and, when possible, repaired".

  Benedict XVI concluded his address by assuring the diplomat that "of the high priority that the Holy See gives to the search for just and lasting solutions to all the conflicts of the region and of its readiness to place its diplomatic resources at the service of peace and reconciliation".
CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/TURKEY:GURSOY            VIS 20100107 (380)