The Pope in Turkey / Papal Threads

What exquisite threads the Pope has:

In the AP photo to the left, the Pope is standing next to Turkey's president (I believe it's Ahmet Necdet Sezer ).  Full-length white camel hair, beautiful.  Love the red Prada shoes peeking out! 

Yesterday we saw a picture of the Pope with Ali Bardakoglu, head of religious affairs in Turkey. His threads were quite fine as well (photo below).  Ali made a number of blunt (one might say say rude) statements before the Pope arrived, including suggesting that Pope Benedict should not visit Turkey. 

I watched EWTN, the Catholic cable channel which is covering the Papal visit, for a short while today.  Pope Benedict was in Ephesus today, visiting a shrine to Mary and celebrating Mass.  According to local legend, Mary lived her last few years there. It was so moving!  The place was packed, there were security people everywhere, but the people there were thrilled, they were singing songs and Alleluia, mothers handed their babies up to be held by Papa Ratzi, people were smiling and looking absolutely joyous. 

Tomorrow is the visit to the Hagia Sophia (blogged about here), known as a "supreme masterpiece of Byzantine architecture."  From an AP story:

"A closely watched moment of the trip will come Thursday during Benedict's visit to Haghia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old site that was originally a Byzantine church and then turned into a mosque after the Muslim conquest of Istanbul - then known as Constantinople - in 1453. It is now a museum, and Turks would take offense at any religious gestures by the pontiff, who also plans to visit the nearby Blue Mosque. In 1967, Pope Paul VI fell to his knees in prayer, touching off protests by Turks claiming he violated the secular nature of the domed complex. In 1979, Pope John Paul II made no overt religious signs during his visit. "

I'd bet big money that Papa Ratzi will pray there.  As The Anchoress suggests, it's a good time to pray for the Pope and the President.

Sissie's been following the Pope's visit more closely and she's weaving her usual wonderful commentary (with kitty photos, of course) on our beloved Papa. 

 

Comments

[Sissy Willis]

Have you managed to get that live-streaming thing up at EWTN yet?

I have a neighbor -- a vibrant Polish gentleman around the corner who used to arrange events for John Paul II. Now he's doing things for Papa Ratzi, whom he has met. He is very enthusiastic about this new Pope as well. AND . . . I got to shake the hand that shook the Pope's. :-)

[miss kelly]

Don't wash it!

[Sissy Willis]

I would NEVER. :-)