The president of the European Parliament says Pope Francis will make an official visit to the assembly in Strasbourg on November 25.

Martin Schulz said today the Pope would address the assembled legislators. The Vatican confirmed the date for the visit.

Italian media say Pope Francis is also considering a quick two-day trip to Turkey to mark an important Orthodox holiday on November 30.

The Vatican has declined to confirm the reports, given there has not been an official invitation from the Turkish government.

Going to Turkey would give Pope Francis an opportunity to visit a Muslim country at a time when Islamic extremists are assaulting Christians and other minorities in Syria and Iraq.

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