2006年VOA标准英语-Pope Celebrates Final Mass, Ends Turkey Visit

By Sabina Castelfranco
Istanbul
01 December 2006

Pope Benedict held a final mass for Turkey's tiny Catholic community, again repeating a call for an end to divisions among Christians³. In words that appeared directed to Muslims, the pope also said the Vatican wishes to impose nothing on anyone. Sabina Castelfranco reports from Istanbul.

Pope Benedict XVI frees a dove upon his arrival at Istanbul's Holy Spirit Cathedral, 1 Dec. 2006

The pope's last hours in Istanbul were dedicated⁴ to the Catholic community in Turkey. Benedict XVI celebrated⁵ mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul.

The mass was also attended by the Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I and by faithful of other Christian² rites⁶.

Pope Benedict has said that existing divisions among Christians are a scandal. During the service, the pope again said his hope is for full unity¹ to be reached among Christians.

"This hope has not yet realized, but the pope still longs to see it fulfilled," he said.

In words that appeared addressed to Muslims, the pope also said the church wishes to impose nothing on anyone and that it merely asks to live in freedom.

Pope Benedict has made efforts to ease tension with Muslims during his four-day visit to Turkey. He has tried to convince them he is interested in cooperation rather than confrontation⁷.

On Thursday he became the second pope to enter a Muslim place of worship. He visited the Blue Mosque⁸ and prayed with an imam while facing Mecca. He told the Muslim cleric that this visit would help them find together the way of peace for the good of humanity.

The pope appeared to have won over Turks with his conciliatory gestures towards Islam and his support for Turkey's EU-bid.

But while in Turkey the pope also called for greater religious freedom for Christian minorities.

Before leaving the Cathedral, the pope thanked Turkey for the cordial way in which he was welcomed everywhere.

The pope expressed deep thanks, saying he was aware that his presence these days has created not few inconveniences to the ordinary life of the people here.

1 unity   

n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调

参考例句：

• When we speak of unity,we do not mean unprincipled peace.所谓团结，并非一团和气。
• We must strengthen our unity in the face of powerful enemies.大敌当前，我们必须加强团结。

2 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。

3 Christians   

n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Christians of all denominations attended the conference. 基督教所有教派的人都出席了这次会议。
• His novel about Jesus caused a furore among Christians. 他关于耶稣的小说激起了基督教徒的公愤。

4 dedicated   

adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的

参考例句：

• He dedicated his life to the cause of education.他献身于教育事业。
• His whole energies are dedicated to improve the design.他的全部精力都放在改进这项设计上了。

5 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

6 rites   

仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• to administer the last rites to sb 给某人举行临终圣事
• He is interested in mystic rites and ceremonies. 他对神秘的仪式感兴趣。

7 confrontation   

n.对抗，对峙，冲突

参考例句：

• We can't risk another confrontation with the union.我们不能冒再次同工会对抗的危险。
• After years of confrontation,they finally have achieved a modus vivendi.在对抗很长时间后，他们最后达成安宁生存的非正式协议。

8 mosque   

n.清真寺

参考例句：

• The mosque is a activity site and culture center of Muslim religion.清真寺为穆斯林宗教活动场所和文化中心。
• Some years ago the clock in the tower of the mosque got out of order.几年前，清真寺钟楼里的大钟失灵了。