Pope Francis was used for the first time publicly the word "genocide" about the massacre of Armenians during World War II.
In the presence of the patriarchs of the two branches of the Armenian Church, he spoke at the opening of a Mass in memory of the victims exterminated between 1915 and 1917.
Ankara did not take long to respond: The Foreign Ministry summoned the Vatican representative in Turkey that is due on the use of this term.
"After all, Turkey, genocide is an injury. As soon as we talk about it, it goes something serious. And people do not dare talk about it. You can not say that this has happened, you can not say that nothing has happened. I think it took place. When you look at history, the evidence is there. Yes, there was a massacre on both sides. There are many sources that dates back to the days of Ataturk, "says a young resident of Istanbul.
"To be honest, I do not support it as a great religious figure followed by many faithful use the word 'genocide'. Because genocide is a serious accusation. Turkey denies genocide, it is a fact. I also denies. I think this is wrong, "said another youth.
In Turkey, the official line says it was a civil war, coupled with famine, which has as many deaths as Armenian Turkish side.
The declaration of Pope Francis could complicate diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Turkey.
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