Hopes ahead of Pope's German trip

Later this month, Pope Benedict sets out on a visit to his native Germany, hoping to kindle a renewed interest in the faith in an increasingly secular nation. The four day trip, beginning on September 22nd, will take him to the once divided capital Berlin, as well as to Erfurt, Etzelsbach and Freiburg for meetings with the country's civic and religious leaders. 

High on the Pope's agenda will be meetings with Jewish and Muslim representatives, as well as with leaders of Germany's Protestant Churches. Among those watching this visit closely will be Lutheran pastor Theodor Dieter, director of the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasburg, France. Philippa Hitchen spoke with him to find out more about Catholic-Lutheran relations in Germany and about his hopes for this forthcoming papal trip.