Pope prays for more 'fruitful dialogue' after Turkey trip

Says freedom of worship must be guaranteed.

In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis recalled the activities of his recent trip to Turkey, and prayed that the visit would lead to a more fruitful ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.

“Dear brothers and sisters, with joy I wish to recall the trip that I made 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,” the pope told those present in St. Peter’s Square for his December 3 address.?

The pontiff made his November 28-30 apostolic voyage to Ankara and Istanbul largely at the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I.

Pope Francis recalled his meeting with local authorities in Ankara, and said the encounter was an “opportunity to reaffirm the need for states to recognize the public relevance of religious faith and to guarantee everyone the freedom of worship,” noting that he was also able to voice his desire for Muslims and Christians “to work together for solidarity, peace and peaceful coexistence.”??

Source: Catholic News Agency