Vatican City = Pope Benedict XVI, expressing esteem and friendship for Turks and their leaders, asked for prayers Sunday for his pilgrimage to Turkey, a predominantly Muslim nation where authorities have predicted there will be large protests during the four-day visit.
"Dear brothers and sisters, as you know in the coming days, I will go to Turkey," Benedict said at his traditional appearance from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square. "From this moment, I want to send a cordial greeting to the dear Turkish people, rich in history and culture," he said. "To this people and their leaders I express feelings of esteem and of sincere friendship," the pope said.
The pope, who leaves for Turkey on Tuesday, angered Muslims in September with remarks about Islam and violence. On Sunday he noted that one of his predecessors, Pope John XXIII, had served for 10 years as a Vatican diplomat in Turkey and had 'nurtured affection and esteem for that nation.'
"I invoke the heavenly protection of blessed John XXIII," Benedict added. "I ask all of you to accompany me with prayer, so that this pilgrimage can bring the fruits that God desires," the pontiff said of his Nov. 28-Dec. 1 visit.
He noted he would be meeting with the small Catholic community in Turkey as well as with Orthodox Christians. Talks with Orthodox Patriarch Bartolomeos I, who has his headquarters in Istanbul, were the main reason for organizing Benedict's first papal visit to a predominantly Muslim country. The pope will also meet with Muslim clerics.
In a Sept. 12 speech in his native Germany, Benedict sparked rage across the Muslim world by quoting a medieval Byzantine emperor's words linking Islam to violence. The pontiff has said he regretted that his speech caused offense and has stressed that the quotes did not reflect his personal opinion.
Demonstrators gathered in Istanbul on Sunday in the largest anti-pope protest so far. Police expected thousands to attend. The protest was organized by a pro-Islamic political party whose leaders have said they were offended by Benedict's comments linking violence and Islam. Benedict has also angered Turks by speaking out against Turkey's bid to join the European Union.