What Benedict said today in Turkey

Right off the plane, the Pope had plenty to say to the world that was listening.

In what is considered his speech to Islam, Turkish and non Turkish,  Benedict XVI said that a dialogue is a “necessity” and that Christians and Muslims can make a great contribution to a world troubled by many problems ranging from poverty to environmental degradation and peace.

“In particular,” he added, “we can offer a credible answer to the question that clearly comes out from today’s society even though it is often put side, namely the question about the meaning and purpose of life for each and every individual and for the whole of humanity. We are called upon to work together to help society to open up to the transcendental and acknowledge to God Almighty the place He deserves. The best way to go forward is that of an authentic dialogue between Christians and Muslims based on the truth and inspired by a sincere desire to better know one another, respecting our differences and acknowledging what we have in common. That will concurrently bring about an authentic respect for responsible choices each person must make, especially when it comes to fundamental values and personal religious convictions.” (emphasis added)

This is a continuation of what Benedict was actually saying in Regensburg. His remarks today reflect his consistent — and persistent — message about dialogue based on truth, and mutual respect.

In these words as Pope, Ratzinger the theologian is vindicated. Attacked for a quote considered offensive to Islam in his “lectio” in Regensburg, he today used another one to talk positively about Muslims and dialogue.

“As an example of brotherly respect with which Christians and Muslims can work together,” he said, “I’d like to quote a few words Pope Gregory VII addressed in 1076 to a Muslim prince in North Africa who had been benevolent towards Christians under his rule. Pope Gregory VII spoke of the special charity Christians and Muslims owed each other because ‘we believe and confess one God, albeit in different ways. Every day we praise Him and venerate Him as Creator of the centuries and ruler of this world (PL 148, 451)”.

Last but not least, the Pope could not avoid talking about freedom of religion.

“When it [religious freedom] is institutionally guaranteed and effectively respected,” he said in a country whose EU membership is held up in part because of this issue, “for both individuals and communities, it becomes for all believers the necessary condition for their loyal contribution to building society, in an attitude of sincere service, especially towards the more vulnerable and the poor”.

For his first remarks in Turkey, this was full and rich. And there was more…

His last thought was for “the conflict in the Middle East” which “continues and is dangerously burdening international life with the risk that localised conflicts might widen and terrorism spread.”

“I salute,” he said, “the efforts of many countries involved today in rebuilding peace in Lebanon, among them Turkey.”

“I appeal once more,” he concluded, “to the international community to assume its responsibilities and make every effort to promote dialogue among the parties in conflict. Only this can ensure respect towards others whilst safeguarding the parties’ legitimate interests and reject any recourse to violence.”

This is particularly good timing for this appeal, given the news out of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Lebanon. I hope the global media give it due notice.