Photo. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6158811.stm
The BBC's David Willey says the Pope has been performing a delicate balancing act between creating better relations with the Orthodox Church, while also reaching out to Muslims.
Patriarch Bartholomew and the Pope exchange the kiss of peace
The pontiff began Wednesday with a liturgical celebration by the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
A prime reason for Pope Benedict's visit to Turkey has been to heal the centuries-old rift between the two Churches.
Patriarch Bartholomew and the Pope embraced during the service.
"The divisions which exist among Christians are a scandal to the world," the Pope said after the meeting.