Patriarch of Constantinople to Speak in Catholic Basilica About Pope

The initiative, promoted by Archbishop Edmond Farhat, the apostolic nuncio in Turkey, in cooperation with the Turkish episcopal conference, is in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Holy Father's pontificate, Vatican Radio reported.

Monsignor Georges Marovitch, spokesman of the episcopal conference, said, "Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I has cordially accepted the invitation of the nuncio and the Turkish bishops. It is a significant ecumenical gesture in these days when there is such a need for peace." The patriarch is scheduled to speak June 17.

"It is the first time that a patriarch speaks in the Catholic church in Istanbul," the spokesman emphasized.

Among those invited to attend are the leaders of Turkish religious communities, as well as politicians, businesspeople, writers and journalists.