No moment of Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming trip may be more closely watched as his walk through the majestic Haghia Sophia, a domed complex whose history spans Istanbul’s stormy evolution from Christianity to Islam.

Any gesture perceived as worship — even as simple as making sign of the cross — could be viewed as a serious affront by his hosts and undermine the Vatican’s attempts to rebuild goodwill with Turkey as a bridge to other Muslims nations. (International Herald Tribune)

The visit was intended to be a primarily Christian event centred around a meeting with the head of the Orthodox Christians, but it has been overshadowed by protests against his visit.

Hundreds of Turks have already demonstrated to show their anger over his comments on Islam and European opposition to Ankara’s bid to join the EU. (Al Jazeera)

Picture was from 2005 in Cologne, Germany.

Read articles from New America Media In-Depth category: European.