Pope to Muslims: Christians, Muslims must reject all forms of violence
By News Agencies
Pope Benedict XVI told Muslim envoys on Monday that Christian and Muslim believers must reject all forms of violence, in an audience aimed at defusing international anger over a speech seen as depicting Islam as violent.
The Pope expressed his "esteem and profound respect" for members of the Islamic faith in a meeting with diplomats from 21 countries and the Arab League plus the leaders of Italy's own Muslim community at his summer residence in Castelgandolfo, near Rome.
Personally: I congratulate the Pope on his decision to invite Islamic leaders, and hold this meeting designed to heal any offence that may have been taken.. From what I have read about the meeting he did not offer any further apologies, but instead spoke of dialogue, tolerance, and unrestricted freedom of worship.
Pope has repeatedly apologized and explained his reasons for quoting the Byzantine emperor who characterized some of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as "evil and inhuman," but ironically was met with violence, and death threats in return. I understand there is even a Fatwa seeking his assassination.
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