The pope continues to show his friendship to the Eastern Orthodox Churches. He traveled to Turkey and joined the Patriarch for the Divine Liturgy. Last week, he invited Patriarch Bartholomew I to address the Synod on the Bible - an historical first.
The Holy Father is well aware of the persecution of christians taking place in Muslim lands. Who will ever forget the horrific murder of Chaldean Catholic priest, Fr. Ragheed Ghanni and his 3 deacons less than 2 years ago or that of Sr. Cecelia Moshi Hanna 6 years ago. Earlier this year, Chaldean Bishop Paulos Faraj Rahho died while being held by kidnappers. And this killing has now extended into the Eastern Catholic Churches in India, where radical Hindus have slaughtered the innocent, raped nuns and executed priests.
If anyone is aware of this senseless persecution, it is Pope Benedict XVI. He is one of the greatest theologians of our time. There is no pulling the wool over his eyes; he is steadfast in his commitment to finding a solution. But - you and I and everone else must have faith and be extremely patient. He is a man of dialogue and welcomes this opportunity to initiate it. Nothing fruitful is ever accomplished overnight. Let's watch and observe and pray for him.