Turkish cleric says to receive civilized welcome despite comments on Islam
ANKARA, Turkey: A leading Turkish cleric on Friday said Pope Benedict XVI would receive a civilized and hospitable welcome when he visits Turkey, despite comments the pontiff made about Islam that provoked an outcry in the Muslim world.
Ali Bardakoglu, who heads religious affairs in Turkey, was one of the first to denounce Benedict's Sept. 12 speech in which the pope quoted a 14th-century Byzantine emperor describing Islam as a religion spread by the sword.
Bardakoglu is to meet the pope in Ankara during the papal visit Nov. 28 to Dec 1.
"If someone says 'the source of violence is the Quran, or the prophet,' we regard this not as criticism but as a severe attack and give a clear response," Bardakoglu said. "We respond no matter who says this. It is our duty to do so."
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1) Turkish cleric says to receive civilized welcome despite comments on Islam
Friday, November 17, 2006
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