AmP follows the Pope to Turkey: Day Four

Friday - a great deal of news links and analysis today (especially of Pope Benedict's visit to the Blue Mosque).

Please also visit The Benedict Blog and Open Book for the latest news updates.

Today's schedule of events:

1st: Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit [Homily of the Holy Father]

2nd: Farewell ceremony at the Airport of Istanbul

13:15 (local time): Departure from the Airport of Istanbul to Rome

14.45 (local time): Arrival at the Airport of Ciampino (Rome)

Speeches of Pope Benedict:

• Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George in the Phanar on the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle - Address (November 30, 2006)
• Moment of prayer in the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Mesrob II Mutafyan - Address (November 30, 2006)

Analysis:

• Was Pope's prayer at Blue Mosque, a prayer? - Robert Duncan of Spero News
• Peter Visits Andrew – And Prays at the Blue Mosque - Sandro Magister
• His Lips Moved - Robert Moynihan of InsidetheVatican

News stories, set #1:

• Pope hailed for praying toward Mecca like Muslims - Reuters [more on this soon...]
• Pope encourages Turkish Christians to live in harmony with Muslims - CNS
• In sign of respect to Muslims, pope prays in Istanbul's Blue Mosque - CNS
• At Divine Liturgy, pope, patriarch affirm commitment to unity - CNS
• Pope ends Turkish visit - CWNews
• Pope Benedict visits Hagia Sofia and becomes second Pope to enter a mosque - CNA

The essential links:

• Vatican's page for the Apostolic Journey
• The program of the Holy Father's schedule
• Video: EWTN's live TV feed on the net - schedule here.
• Video: Vatican Television Center
• Amy's first post on the Apostolic Journey
• Chris Blosser's pre-trip roundup
• Spero News forum
• Pictures: Papacy & the Vatican slideshow
• Radio: Vatican Radio home (show archives, etc.)
• Video: Live broadcasts from Patriarchate.org
• http://www.popeandpatriarch.com/

[photo caption: Pope Benedict XVI release a dove before celebrating a mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Istanbul. Benedict has wrapped up a momentous visit to Turkey by celebrating mass at an Istanbul cathedral and making a final appeal for freedom of religion. (AFP/Pool/Patrick Hertzog)]