Wed 29 Nov 2006

The Pope in Turkey

David Starkey's guests tonights are Lynette Burrows (family campaigner, writer, broadcaster), Dominic Lawson and Kevin Maguire.

Pope Benedict XVI is continuing his controversial visit to Turkey, where he has called for "authentic dialogue" between Christians and Muslims, and changed his mind over whether Turkey should be welcomed into the EU. The Pope sparked outrage across the Muslim world in September, when he quoted a 14th-Century Christian emperor who criticised the Prophet Muhammad.

Security is tight, demonstrations during the visit have been banned, and the Pope is traveling in an armoured car, but even so, can his security be guaranteed? Will the visit open a new dialogue between the religions, or merely re-open old wounds? Is Pope Benedict the rottweiler everyone predicted he would be?

Viewers' comments

From John Gynn
Should Turkey vote for Christmas? In light of your reference to Turkey's possible accession to the E.U. I submit the following observation: I attended Jose Manuel Baroso's lecture in the Enlightenment Series (28 November) not a stool's throw from the execution spot of Thomas Aitkenhead by religious fundamentalists in late 17th century Edinburgh. Given the proximity and modern relevance of that act I was surprised by the absence of any reference to the issue of admitting Turkey into a secular polity. Surely Enlightenment philosophy could shape the Commission's political thought to afford scope for an E.U. which can incorporate an Islamic state and smooth a path towards greater toleration? Instead this important issue was smothered in Auld Reekie in a talk focussing on CO2 emissions. Some enlightenment!