VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2004 (VIS) - Osman Durak, the new ambassador from Turkey to the Holy See, today presented his Letters of Credence to the Holy Father who, in his talk to the diplomat in English, recalled that the fourth trip of his pontificate was to Turkey in November, 1979, adding that "the memories of that historic trip are indelibly etched in my mind."
The Pope underscored "Turkey's status as a democratic State governed by the rule of law and in which all citizens enjoy equal rights. Indeed, the rule of law and equality of rights are essential traits for any modern society that truly seeks to safeguard and promote the common good. In fulfilling this task, the clear distinction between the civil and religious spheres allows each of these sectors to exercise its proper responsibilities effectively, with mutual respect and in complete freedom of conscience."
"As Turkey prepares to establish new relations with Europe," he added, "I join the Catholic population in looking forward to recognition on the part of the Turkish authorities and institutions of the Church's juridical status in your country." He stressed that "the Church and the State are not rivals but partners. . I would express my hope that the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights of the Turkish National Assembly will see fit to respond in an adequate manner to the petition presented to it last September concerning the common religious and pastoral needs of the Christian and non-Muslim minorities living in Turkey."
Quoting Blessed John XXIII, the Holy Father said that "the question of peace cannot be separated from that of human dignity and human rights. In other words, the far-reaching problems of order in world affairs cannot be properly addressed without dealing with issues of morality and ethical behavior. . Pope John called for a nobler vision of public authority and 'boldly challenged the world to think beyond its present state of disorder to new forms of international order commensurate with human dignity'."
"One of the primary means for securing this world order, and hence for pursuing peace, is international law, which today is called more and more to
become a law of peace in justice and solidarity. . The Catholic Church lends her full support to activities aimed at restoring peace and bringing about reconciliation. For this reason I welcome the news of the progress being made in moving towards a just settlement of the Cyprus question. I heartily encourage the parties involved to spare no effort in hastening the re-unification and pacification of the island."
John Paul II then noted that "within the wider international community, the United Nations has a particular role to play" and "still represents the most suitable agency for confronting the grave challenges facing the human family of the twenty-first century" including "the deadly scourge of terrorism (which) represents an especially pernicious problem" and "a heinous crime." He reiterated his "prayerful solidarity with the nation in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in your country."
CD/./TURKEY VIS 20040223 (500)
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