Franco Pisano

Commitment to ecumenism was reaffirmed in a joint declaration to strengthen Europe's Christian roots and to proclaim the Gospel in a secularized world. There was an appeal for religious freedom across the world. Protests are taking place here and there in Turkey but without much success. By our special correspondent.

In a relaxed atmosphere following weeks of tensions and fears that accompanied the Pope's arrival, Benedict XVI also visits Saint Sophia and the Armenian cathedral. Now it is time to wait for reactions in the Muslim world. From our special correspondent.

The second stage of the apostolic voyage of Benedict XVI to Turkey. He met the small Catholic community near Mary's House, venerated by both Christians and Muslims. And he recalled Don Andrea Santoro. By our special correspondent.

The visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate is the main reason for the Pope's trip to Turkey on the Feast Day of Saint Andrew. A joint statement is expected tomorrow. Istanbul is under tight security.

In an informal discourse with journalists, Benedict XVI underlined the faith and hope with which he is facing his sensitive trip to Turkey. He said he was for Ankara's entry into Europe. The pope also touched upon the upcoming meeting between the sister Churches of Rome and Constantinople. He was welcomed by Premier Erdogan on arrival. By our special correspondent.

On the first day of his trip to Turkey, Benedict XVI expresses esteem and respect for Islam whilst demanding respect for freedom of religion. He says that the dialogue between Turkey and Europe is good and calls on the international community to commit itself to ending the conflict in the Middle East. By our special correspondent.

The main, ecumenical reason for the visit – seeing Bartholomew I – has been taken over by the problem of ties between the West and Islam. The comfort the pope will give the small Christian communities is important, and they hope his advent will mean more religious freedom. There will be the protection of John XXIII, known as the "Turkish pope". From our special correspondent.

Set up in 1842, the school was de facto shut down in 1971, because only Turkish young people of Orthodox faith can attend, and there are too few of them. The patriarchate hopes the visit of Benedict XVI may help obtain respect for religious freedom and minority rights.

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I believes the pope's visit may prompt the Turkish government to respect the rights of minorities, different ethnic groups and religions. Dialogue between Catholic and Orthodox is at a "crucial point" about the primacy of the bishop of Rome.

A meeting with the clergy in Freising rounded up the visit of Benedict XVI to Germany. It has been a visit to places of his youth that aimed to present the "issue of Christianity"once again to the West.

Benedict XVI will be in Valencia next Saturday and Sunday for the end of the World Meeting of Families whose focus is the transmission of the faith.

"It is not a thing of the past", "a collation of sad things or things that happen" or "a shout of protest that changes nothing"; it is rather an event that demands participation and shared responsibility.