AmP follows the Pope to Turkey: One Day To Go

From this morning's VIS:

After praying the Angelus with the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope recalled how tomorrow, Tuesday, he begins his apostolic trip to Turkey where, between November 28 and December 1, he will visit Ankara, Ephesus and Istanbul.

"From this moment," he said, "I would like to send my cordial greetings to the dear Turkish people, so rich in history and culture. To that people, and to their representatives, I extend sentiments of respect and sincere friendship."

Benedict XVI also mentioned the "deep emotion" he felt at having the opportunity to meet the country's "small Catholic community, which is ever present in my heart, and to unite myself fraternally with the Orthodox Church for the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle," on November 30.

"I trustingly follow the footsteps of my venerated predecessors, Paul VI and John Paul II, and I invoke the celestial protection of Blessed John XXIII who for ten years was apostolic delegate in Turkey and nourished great affection and respect for that country."

The Holy Father concluded his remarks by asking everyone to accompany him "with prayer, that this pilgrimage may bring the fruits that God desires."

Some essential links (thanks, Amy!):

• Vatican's page for the Apostolic Journey
• The program of the Holy Father's schedule
• EWTN's live TV feed on the net - schedule here.
• Amy's first post on the Apostolic Journey
• Chris Blosser's pre-trip roundup
• New: Spero News forum

[top photo caption: Riot police officers stand guard in front of the sixth century Byzantine monument of St. Sophia (Ayasofya) as police take high security measures in the old city in Istanbul on the eve of Pope Benedict 's visit to Turkey, November 27, 2006. Protesters displayed their long petition with thousands of signatures to demand the Ayasofya to be converted into a mosque as it was in the Ottoman empire era. St. Sophia (Ayasofya), now a museum, is a controversial site where Pope Benedict XVI is expected to visit during his trip to Turkey this week. REUTERS/Fatih Saribas] ... click here for a slideshow of related images.

Update:

• Weigel on the Pope's Turkey visit
• Benedict and Turkey
• Vatican not opposed to Turkey entering EU, Holy See confirms
• Turkish Prime Minister Changes Schedule to receive Pope Benedict XVI
• Vatican announces Papal visit to mosque, as Turks continue to protest