Turkish media: Pope expected to arrive in Turkey in November next year

Pope Francis, the religious leader of the Catholic world, is expected to visit Turkey next year.

According to information gathered by Today's Zaman from sources close to the Vatican, preparations are under way for the İstanbul visit of the new pope, which is expected to take place in November in 2014.

İstanbul-based Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended the installation Mass of Pope Francis in Vatican City in March, in a first-of-its-kind move since the 1054 break that led to the creation of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches of Christianity, along with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ.

Following the Mass, Bartholomew revealed that the new pope had told him he wanted to pay a visit to Turkey.

Although the date for the visit of the pope is not yet set, sources say there is a strong possibility that he will be in İstanbul on Nov. 30. It's not clear yet whether the pope, who is expected to stay at the Vatican's representation in İstanbul, will also visit Ankara.