Pope calls for religious exchange

[Jason]

BBC NEWS | Europe | Pope calls for religious exchange

Pope Benedict XVI has called for an "authentic dialogue" between Christians and Muslims in a speech at Turkey's directorate of religious affairs. He said the exchange must be "based on truth and inspired by a sincere wish to know one another better". The pontiff was speaking at the start of a four-day visit to Turkey - his first trip to a mainly Muslim country since acceding to the papacy. The visit has been overshadowed by angry protests by Turkish Muslims. Tens of thousands of people protested on the streets of Istanbul at the weekend, calling on the Pope to stay away or apologise for comments he made about Islam in a speech in September.