Negotiators wrangled over a proposed joint text by the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church and the pope, who has been denounced by zealots strongly opposing his visit. Roman Catholic organizers in Athens said Wednesday that the pope would only receive olive branches and flowers at Athens airport to begin his six-day journey to retrace the steps of the Apostle Paul. The trip also includes Syria and Malta. Since beginning his global travels in 1979, John Paul kissed the ground upon arriving in a country for the first time. For the past decade, the frail pontiff has been offered a vessel holding soil to kiss.
Monasteries plan to ring their bells in mourning during the visit.
Many believe the Vatican is hostile to Orthodox Christians and blame it for the fall of the Greek Byzantine Empire in the 15th century. Christianity split into the Orthodox and Roman Catholic branches nearly 1,000 years ago over the issue of papal authority. The pope hopes the visit may promote a dialogue on improving relations between the two churches. But more attention was on protection than reconciliation. Security will be extremely tight with more than 5,000 police patrolling the city and many main roads in Athens blocked to traffic.