(-ONLY VIDEO-) During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis reflected on his recent three day trip to Turkey. He said, he hopes the apostolic visit will trigger a deeper relationship among Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Muslims.
He also highlighted the declaration he signed with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, adding that hopefully it will strengthen their ecumenical path towards complete unity.
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I thank God for the blessing of my recent pilgrimage to Turkey, and I pray that it will contribute to an ever more fruitful dialogue and relationship with our Orthodox and Muslim brothers and sisters. Turkey is a land dear to us for its rich Christian history.
Religious belief has an important place in the life of this predominantly Muslim nation. In my visit to Ankara, I wished to stress the importance of ensuring its free exercise by all, and the need for Christians and Muslims to work together in promoting solidarity, peace and justice.
In Istanbul, at Mass with the Catholic faithful and the leaders of Turkeyâ??s various Christian communities, we implored the Holy Spiritâ??s continued guidance and help for our efforts to grow in unity and fidelity.
On Sunday, at the solemn liturgy for the feast of Saint Andrew, I joined Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios in signing a Joint Declaration reaffirming our commitment to the restoration of full communion.
I ask you to join me in praying for these intentions and for the Churchâ??s zeal in proclaiming, in respectful and fraternal dialogue, Christâ??s message of truth, peace and love.
