A leading Muslim cleric said today that Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Turkey next week could build confidence and respect between religions despite comments the pontiff made that provoked an outcry in the Islamic world.
Ali Bardakoglu, who as the head of the Religious Affairs Directorate sets Turkey's religious agenda, was one of the first to denounce a speech Benedict gave in September that quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor describing Islam as a religion spread by the sword.
Ali Bardakoglu
"I regard such visits as positive steps between different religions and cultures," said Bardakoglu, who is scheduled to meet Benedict during the Nov. 28-Dec. 1 trip. "But this visit should not be expected to be the answer to all questions."
Bardakoglu said the pope would receive a civilized and hospitable welcome.
"I hope that as such communications, bilateral relations and hospitalities increase, the mutual trust between the people will also increase," Bardakoglu said. "The important thing is to preserve respect for each other."
Benedict is also scheduled meet Turkey's president and deputy premier. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be out of the country, attending a NATO summit in Latvia.
The official focus of the pope's trip is his scheduled meeting with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Istanbul-based leader of the world's Orthodox Christians. But Benedict is widely expected to use his first visit to an Islamic country to improve relations with Muslims.
Benedict said he regretted that his speech caused offense and stressed that the quotes did not reflect his personal opinion. He has also expressed esteem for Islam.
The pope was expected to deliver a speech during his meeting with Bardakoglu, the Vatican said.
Meanwhile, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, chief of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, criticized Benedict for his remarks in September.
"I still cannot understand how the pope, a theology professor, could have said this," Ihsanoglu said in Istanbul.
AP