Catholics in the majority-Muslim Turkey are preparing to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Saint Paul.

Pope Benedict XVI has declared 2008 to be the year of St Paul and Catholics in Turkey are asking the government if they can use St Paul church in Tarsus, the famous missionary's birthplace, as part of the celebrations.

Bishop Luigi Padovese, the Catholic Church's apostolic vicar of Anatolia, told Ecumenical News International that the anniversary would attract a large number of pilgrims.

Senior officials are formally considering the request to use St Paul's church, which is now a state-owned museum.

"This anniversary is certain to attract large numbers of pilgrims, who will obviously need a church where they can feel at home and pray," said Bishop Padovese.

"A government commission is now formally considering our request. But senior officials have agreed we should be able to worship here.

"After all, we're not missionaries - we are merely answering the needs of church members."

St Paul, who was originally called Saul, was converted on his way to Damascus where he planned to persecute Christians living there. The Lord appeared to him, however, and he converted to Christianity on the spot.

Respected by Christians throughout the ages, St Paul is heralded for his zeal in opening up new mission fields throughout Europe. He was arrested in Jerusalem and later beheaded by Emperor Nero.

A pastoral letter will be read in all Catholic churches in Turkey on January 25, the anniversary of St Paul's conversion to Christianity, said Padovese.

Furthermore, an ecumenical initiative to commemorate the event is currently being discussed between all the denominations in the Muslim-dominated country.