Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Islam, ecumenism and regional conflict on pope's agenda in Turkey | National Catholic Reporter

Islam, ecumenism and regional conflict on pope's agenda in Turkey

Almost every papal trip abroad is a complex mix of the religious and political, and that will be especially true of Pope Francis' Nov. 28-30 visit to Turkey.

Given the country's crucial geographic position straddling Europe and Asia, its historic importance for both Christianity and Islam and the wars now raging in neighboring Syria and Iraq, Francis will have to address a variety of urgent topics during his three-day visit. Here are five of the biggest issues that await him.

More:Islam, ecumenism and regional conflict on pope's agenda in Turkey | National Catholic Reporter