Is the Pope doing the right thing in Turkey?
814127
The Pope is going to Turkey for three main reasons:\n\n+ A pastoral journey to the Catholic Church in Turkey, with its various ritual expressions (Latin, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Catholic, Chaldean).\n\n+ An ecumenical journey to the Eastern Orthodox Church with a meeting of prayer and dialog with the Patriarch, His Holiness Bartholomew I.  \n\n+ A journey of interreligious dialog with Islam, the predominant religion in Turkey.\n\nWith love in Christ.
813600
The pope has no reason to infuriate the Muslims by going to Turkey. He should stay home and mind his own business. I'm sure he can find enough problems at home.
886929
1. Better sea access (located in the Dardanelles between Black Sea and Mediterranean)\n2. Closer land access to Middle East, Eurasia, Africa\n3. Located along trade routes to other great civilizations in these areas.\n4. Farther from the pope, thus less pressure/influence of Catholic Church
603097
The pope doesn't have the power to grant 1 wish, let alone 3. Interesting that you compared him to a genie - same amount of power, although the pope isn't fiction.
506053
Everyone has doubts sometimes, its natural. The important thing his that he has allayed his doubts to become Pope.
803079
No person is Holy, the pope is just a man.Only God and His angels are Holy.
165700
The first answerer talks about Turkey as a market : that's there anyway, whether Turkey's in or out.\nHis second point is the tired old one about Turkey being a gateway to the East, as if this were something desirable for Europe.  Turkey's admission would certainly be desirable, but not for Europe : for Turkey and all the many millions of Turks, who extend all the way to and into China.  It would open the door to Europe for them.  Does anyone think that Turkey, as a member of Europe, would feel stronger loyalty to Europe than to her racial brothers and fellow Muslims?  They'd flood into Europe and accelerate the process, already well under way, of Islamic domination there.
767243
I agree to some of your points. Jesus taught that everyone is equal, hence the lesson he taught his disciples when he washed there feet, so why is the pope treated so special? He should be treated on the same level as everyone else.
384338
I'm sure popes make mistakes... although maybe not as large as others but they still do.. they are human\n\nAlso, a pope can apolgize on behalf of the Church or any of its members\n\nI'm sure apologizing nvr hurt anyone
653690
It sure is.  Europe's states all are facing problems with the muslems so Turkey does need help to resolve things.  Muslems are causing problems all over the world.  I know most muslems are fine people Most people are every place.  It is time for the good muslems to get together and clean up their own problems.
971094
The "spread by the sword" argument is out of date and is a quick answer with no real depth. Furthermore, it doesn't answer the question. If you're looking for contemporary views of Christianity in Turkey and want 'first hand' accounts I suggest doing a simple search for forums based in Turkey that talk about religion. Take these with a grain of salt however, because they are obviously not accurately representative of the population as a whole. Another method you can take is to browse current newspapers in Turkey that are available online and search for headings that relate to Christianity or Christian events. That's a starting point, but if you're looking for in depth research you may want to look beyond this. Hope your homework goes well!
926080
I personally think not..Turkey hasn't a lot to offer the EU and would be a rather expensive appendage...
508608
He has a long list of accomplishments both before and after election to the papacy.\n\nHe has a long list of documents, books, plays and articles written by him.  If he were an professor, he would have been considered very accomplished.\n\nHe was an accomplished actor and athlete.  He was an avid downhill skiier and I have heard he represented Poland in Rugby.  I don't know if the last part is true or not.\n\nHe spoke fluently at least 12 languages and tried to learn the languages of every country he visited, he made 104 overseas trips.\n\n\nHe visited more countries than any other pope including Peter.\n\nHe has an extensive list of apologies for past wrongs committed by Christians.\n\nHe went a great distance in healing the rift with the other patriarchs, split since the Great Schism in Christianity.\n\nHe did a lot to bring down Communism both before and after election.\n\nEven his funeral brought about accomplishments.  The President of Iran and the Prime Minister of Israel were accidently seated near one another.  Iran has vowed the death of Israel.  The President got up, walked over to the Prime Minister and wished him well and spoke about how they grew up only sixty miles apart.  Prime Minister Sharon has since had a stroke, but you never know what can happen when avowed enemies spend even a moment together as people.
84314
First of all EU is not a Christian club (! According to the sayings of EU). Well, we'll see this.   Turkey is in one of the most important regions of the world, a bridge between two continents,which of course is not enough.But when accepted EU will have lots of important profits. With it's economic growth, Turkey will surely bring a dynamic potential. Turkey is the country of  civilization. Lots of people from all cultures live in peace. Turkey's acceptance will also be meaningful in the name of union of civilizations. And EU will have more words to say in the region . (like Iraq,Iran,Syria...vs ) In this world of which is getting more global and global, it's not a 3 question - test like "EU has  a common family of languages" or etc. as mentioned  above. It's more complex.
434691
does the pope believe in God?
566199
The position of Pope of the holy Roman empire.
148052
Some Catholics may be--but not GERMANY! Germany will soon rise to lead Europe into a "holy crusade"--starting with confronting Iran and it's taunting Germany's past concerning the slaughter of 16 million jews. Sound too unbelievable??? Listen to German response to Iran's comments...they are NOT going to take it lying down. And the pope is quietly waiting to unite Europe under a Catholic "umbrella" of influence. The 1940's will soon repeat itself again--don't believe ME--watch Europe and the Middle East!!! And pray to God that we wake up to reality! Why does noone have the GUTS to tell the TRUTH???!!!