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15/09/2006
Pope criticised following speech in Germany
The Vatican has denied that Pope Benedict XVI intended any offence to the Muslim religion, after a speech which briefly discussed the concept of holy war.
Speaking in Germany, the Pope quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor, Manuel II Paleologus who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only 'evil and inhuman' things.
The offending quote in the speech was: "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."
However, Pope Benedict went on to say: "The emperor, after having expressed himself so forcefully, goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable."
Chief Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement that the Pope had not intended to offend Muslims.
"It is clear that the Holy Father's intention is to cultivate a position of respect and dialogue towards other religions and cultures, and that clearly includes Islam," Lombardi stated.
Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain said in a statement on the MCB website: "One would expect a religious leader such as the Pope to act and speak with responsibility and repudiate the Byzantine emperor's views in the interests of truth and harmonious relations between the followers of Islam and Catholicism.
"We would hope that the Pope will clarify his remarks without delay," Abdul Bari added.
News sources have reported that the head of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Mahdi Akef said the Pope's remarks 'aroused the anger of the whole Islamic world'.
(DS)
Speaking in Germany, the Pope quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor, Manuel II Paleologus who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only 'evil and inhuman' things.
The offending quote in the speech was: "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."
However, Pope Benedict went on to say: "The emperor, after having expressed himself so forcefully, goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable."
Chief Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement that the Pope had not intended to offend Muslims.
"It is clear that the Holy Father's intention is to cultivate a position of respect and dialogue towards other religions and cultures, and that clearly includes Islam," Lombardi stated.
Muhammad Abdul Bari, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain said in a statement on the MCB website: "One would expect a religious leader such as the Pope to act and speak with responsibility and repudiate the Byzantine emperor's views in the interests of truth and harmonious relations between the followers of Islam and Catholicism.
"We would hope that the Pope will clarify his remarks without delay," Abdul Bari added.
News sources have reported that the head of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Mahdi Akef said the Pope's remarks 'aroused the anger of the whole Islamic world'.
(DS)
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