Mavi Zambak

Amid the solemn moments with political and religious leaders, Francis found time to meet ordinary people, those living on the "edges", the sick, people like Middle Eastern refugees, members of Turkey's tiny Christian communities, and the bed-ridden Armenian patriarch. For Turkish Christians and Muslims, he is an authoritative but approachable figure, a model for politicians.

Pope Francis is set to visit Turkey on 28-30 November to join the ecumenical patriarch especially for the feast day of Saint Andrew. After nearly a thousand years of divisions, Pope John XXIII broke the ice. For the past 50 years, the two sides have exchanged visits. With Pope Bergoglio, meetings and collaboration have intensified. For Bartholomew, this pope is a dear friend.

Turks are impressed by the Argentinian pontiff, by his love for the poor and the sick. They hope for signs of peace in the region and help for the wave of refugees. There is no much by way of newspaper coverage. In 2006 Benedict XVI's visit had generated a lot of criticism for the pope and for Bartholomew I.

‘Istanbul incontro of due mondi’ is the title of the trilingual (Italian, Turkish and French) book, written by Rinaldo Marmara. It stresses the future good pope’s role as a bridge between cultures and religions during his wartime years as apostolic delegate.

Participants include members of other Christian Churches and state authorities. The homily by Mgr. Franceschini speaks of "a clergyman, a bishop, a close friend of Turks and Turkey. This land is thus confirmed, once again, a place of martyrdom for those who love her dearly. "

In Istanbul as well as Ankara the country’s various Christian communities are used to small but tangible acts of solidarity and communion. In the capital’s only parish church, run by the Jesuits, ecumenism is the stuff of everyday life.

Turkish President Gül accepts invitation to attend a football match between Armenia and Turkey. For the past 15 years the two countries had no diplomatic relations and their borders were sealed. Political and oil interests explain the president’s yes.

Uncertainty over the future of Izmir, rejected as the site of Expo 2015 after preparing itself for years with projects for the new airport, ultra high-speed railway lines, and new highways. The difficulties for the AKP, accused of Islamicising the country and violating the secular constitution. The march toward Europe is in danger of slowing down.

The constitutional court is giving the AKP one month to defend itself. The Islamic party in power risks isolation, and its leaders, including the president and prime minister, risk being excluded from political life for five years.

Despite being half of the active workforce, women are victims of family violence, arranged marriages, marginalisation on the job, and illiteracy. A rally is planned for tomorrow in favour of a truly secular state.

The constitutional amendment in defence of the "right to education" has been passed. Statistics - possibly manipulated - show that many young women leave the country to be able to study and wear the headscarf. The newspapers denounce the Islamisation of the country.

The anniversary is commemorated in Trabzon by Bishop Paglia, who recalls the words of the assassinated priest about being present "in this Middle Eastern world simply as Christians, the salt in the broth, the leaven in the dough, the lamp in the room, the window between barrier walls, the bridge between opposite banks, an offering of reconciliation".