Meanwhile, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Istanbul, also intervened.

CNN: Reporter held for 21 days in Iranian jails

The Pope wanted to pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and try to end the 1, 000-year-old schism between the two ancient branches of Christianity.

NPR: Tensions in Turkey Rise Ahead of Papal Visit

To this day, Turkey refuses to recognize the spiritual head of the Orthodox Church, the ecumenical Patriarch Barholomew, who will host Pope Benedict in Istanbul later this week.

NPR: Pope Seeks to Boost Image Among Muslims