Confirmed: Pope is going to Turkey Nov. 28-Dec. 1

From Asia News:

Istanbul (AsiaNews) – The bishops of Turkey today followed Ankara’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdullah Gul, in confirming that the visit of Benedict XVI will take place as planned, from 28 November to 1 December, according to the set itinerary.

... this morning, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Turkey, as planned, met in Istanbul to discuss details of the trip’s itinerary. They were joined by Mgr Piero Marini, head of the Office of Papal Liturgical Celebrations. They share the view that at this point, there is no reason to call off the visit and in fact, after reading together the statement of clarification by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the bishops turned their attention to details of the trip set to take place as scheduled from 28 November to 1 December.

So unless events to the contrary take over, the trip will be held as planned.

In the hope that the dialogue opened on Islam may proceed through placid and reasoned dialogue.

In early October, the bishops plan to meet again for latest developments.

I've updated the AmP countdown as a result of this story...