To Erdogan, the Pope said "In order to see different civilizations, beliefs, and cultures living side by side, we want to see Turkey in the EU."

Benedict: Islam a religion of peace

Meanwhile, when Benedict XVI yesterday visited the Ministry of Religious Affairs, his statements were interpreted by many as being a sort of apology for his speech in Germany earlier in the year. Calling Islam a "religion of peace," the Pope said the basis of Islam was tightly woven with science and intellect.

Erdogan mentions murder of Priest Santoro

In meeting with President Sezer at Cankaya Palace in Ankara, the Pope heard Sezer's worries about EU treatment of Turkey during the accession process, as well as Sezer's assertions on the unfair treatment of Northern Cyprus. Sezer also gave Benedict XVI two different books on the history of the Northern Cypriots and the founding of that republic. Earlier, in his meeting with Erdogan, Benedict XVI assured the PM of his support for the alliance of civilizations, and told Erdogan that he wanted to see the latest declaration from his international alliances project. Erdogan also took time to tell the Pope that the murder at the beginning of the year of Italian priest Andrea Santoro had "wounded Ankara deeply," to which the Pope assured the PM that the Vatican viewed the incident as "an isolated event."