istanbul: papal mass at cathedral of holy spirit

Sunday 24 February 2008

Papal Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Istanbul

The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul The Statue of Pope

Benedict XV can be seen in the shadows.

The interior of the Cathedral.

A close-up of the High Altar.

A chapel dedicated in the memory of Pope John XXIII who was nuncio

here.

Banners outside the Cathedral announcing the visit and greeting the

Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic Patriarchs as well as the Pope.

The Papal Mass, a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Cathedral of

the Holy Spirit was a very interesting affair, showing off the

universality of the Catholic Church with prayers and chants in

Aramaic, Chaldean, Latin, French, Armenian etc.

However, my one complaint is that EPII was used instead of the Roman

Canon. Thats just plain silly. Patriarch Bartholomew of the Greek

Orthodox Church and Patriarch Mesrob of the Armenian Apostolic Church

were in attendance and exchanged the kiss of peach with the Holy

Father. The Patriarch and Pope also imparted the final benediction, in

Greek and Latin respectively and then processed out together.

The Pope's arrival at the Cathedral.

A general view of the Mass.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarch can be seen towards the right.

The Patriarch greeting His Holiness.

The Gospel was read by Bishop Louis Pel�tre, Vicar Apostolic of

Istanbul.

The celebration of Mass. Eucharistic prayer II was chanted.

The Pope and Patriarch exchanging the kiss of peace.

The Pope and Patriarch gave the final benediction together in Latin

and Greek.

All photos courtesy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate

(www.patriarchate.org) and N. Manginas.

You can access them directly here or by clicking the thumbnails below:

Photo N. Manginas

istanbul