Vatican: Pope's Türkiye Trip Opens Door to Interfaith Cooperation

Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Türkiye strengthened prospects for dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Islamic world, according to Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi. Speaking in an interview with Anadolu Agency, Lombardi said the trip had laid groundwork for future interfaith initiatives and deepened mutual understanding between the two sides.

Lombardi praised the warmth shown by the Turkish public toward the pontiff, and described Türkiye as a genuine bridge connecting East and West. He added that regular exchanges of religious figures between the Vatican and the Islamic world could foster greater respect and understanding over time.

The spokesman also highlighted the Pope's New Year message, which centers the human person as the foundation of peace. He said that building on shared values offers a path toward lasting goodwill across religious communities.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in December 2006, in its own words.