Pope Benedict XVI has told diplomats from Islamic countries of his respect for Muslims, following a furore about a speech in which he quoted a 14th century Christian emperor…

 

Pope Benedict XVI has told diplomats from Islamic countries of his respect for Muslims, following a furore about a speech in which he quoted a 14th century Christian emperor who referred to “evil and inhuman” aspects of Islam. “I should like to reiterate today all the esteem and the profound respect that I have for Muslim believers,” Pope Benedict told the ambassadors of Islamic countries accredited to the Holy See, as well as representatives of various Muslim communities in Italy. Christians and Muslims needed to learn to work together, Pope Benedict said, “to guard against all forms of intolerance and to oppose all manifestations of violence”.