Pope Benedict XVI gestures during the weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Wednesday July 4, 2007. (AP)

Has enough international public attention been given to Ecumenical Patriarch's political situation in Turkey?
Yes
Yes, and more must be done
No
No, and political action is required

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Vatican, Jul. 4, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI met on July 4 with Greek foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis, for a conversation that included a discussion of the problems facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

After her meeting with the Holy Father, Bakoyannis said that she was happy to have the occasiont to speak with Pope Benedict about "the need for international support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate at a time that is particularly difficult, in the wake of the Turkish court's decision." Late in June a Turkish court ruled that Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople does not have the right to the title "Ecumenical Patriarch"-- a decision that restricts the freedom of the Orthodox patriarchate in Turkey.

The Greek foreign minister told reporters that Pope Benedict expressed a keen understanding of the difficulties that the court decision created for the Orthodox leadership.

During her visit to the Vatican, Bakoyannis also met with her counterpart at the Holy See, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.

Bakoyianni- Pope meeting
ERT

During a 15 minute meeting of Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni with Pope Benedict XVI, talks focused on issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Turkey’s European prospect as well as the situation in the broader region. Next Mrs Bakoyianni met with Vatican’s Foreign Minister.

Following her meeting with the Pope, the Greek Foreign Minister said that the meeting with the Pope was of particular importance as they had the opportunity to extensively discuss issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the need of international support at a time particularly difficult for the Patriarchate following recent ruling of the Turkish court.

It is a time when we should all join our voices and explain to the world that such decision have no place in the modern world. Ecumenism of the Patriarchate can not be doubted , all recognize the Ecumenical Patriarch as the Head of the Orthodox Church.said the Pope. Pope Benedict message was clear said the Greek Foreign Minister, expressing the belief that the Vatican will continue conveying the message in all parts.

The Pope wished speedy recovery to Archbishop Christodoulos to whom he had sent a get well telegraph while his representative visited him at hospital in Athens.