Pope to heal rift with Orthodox church

30 Nov, 2006 05:14 / Updated 17 years ago

Pope Benedict XVI is attempting to heal a 2000 year old rift with the Orthodox church, as he continues his visit in Turkey. He's delivered a joint address with Bartholomew the First – the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians

On Wednesday they delivered a joint service at the church of St. George, but both churches said any major breakthrough on this visit is unlikely.The split in 1054, came following a dispute over the Pope's powers.Benedict will also visit the Muslim Blue Mosque in Istanbul.