And Jerusalem is next, according to Erdogan, thr supreme leader of Turkey! It’s a forceful message repudiating the post-Ottoman Western, secular course adopted by Turkey, a traumatic reopening of ancient wounds not just for the Greek Orthodox, but also for Eastern Catholics – and indeed all Catholics everywhere. In addition to the (obviously) outspoken Greek Orthodox, a wide spectrum of opinion in the West has criticized the move – but so far normally garroulous Pope Francis has remained silent. For that matter, he has also said nothing on the current takeover in Hong Kong. And the Pope has been conspicuous by his absence during the coronavirus epidemic as well.
Now, viewed legalistically, we may argue the Turks have the right to do what they want with a monument that has been theirs for many centuries. Yet seemingly unconnected events like Erdogan’s decision, the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris or the toppling of images of Catholic saints and exploreres in the United States all symbolize one thing: the receding of Western, originally Christian, civilization.
UPDATE: As does this: Mission founded by St. JunÃpero Serra burns in overnight fire.
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