Pope Expresses Regret over Muslim Anger
The Pope has issued a statement Saturday in which he expressed his regrets that comments he made earlier in the week on Islam had caused offence to the worldwide Muslim community.
by Maria Mackay
Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006, 19:07 (BST)
Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his deep regret at the anger that broke out within the worldwide Muslim community following a speech he made on Tuesday in which he made controversial references to Islam. He stopped short, however, of retracting his remarks, saying rather that they had been interpreted.
Pope Benedict XVI sparked fury among Muslim communities the world over after a speech on Tuesday in which he repeated criticism of the Prophet Mohammad by the 14th century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus, who said everything Mohammad brought was evil "such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached".
The Pope, who used the terms "jihad" and "holy war" in his lecture, added "violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul".
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone read out a statement on behalf of the Pope which expressed the Pontiff's regret that his speech offended Muslims.
"The Holy Father sincerely regrets that certain passages of his address could have sounded offensive to the sensitivities of the Muslim faithful," read the statement released Saturday.
"In reiterating his respect and esteem for those who profess Islam, he hopes they will be helped to understand the correct meaning of his words ... quickly surmounting this present uneasy moment," the statement said.
It also explained the Pope's reference to the 14th century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus: "He simply used it as a means to undertake - in an academic context, and as is evident from a complete and attentive reading of the text - certain reflections on the theme of the relationship between religion and violence in general, and to conclude with a clear and radical rejection of the religious motivation for violence, from whatever side it may come."
Muslims in Britain have welcomed the statement of regret from the Pontiff.
Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "It's certainly a welcome step that the Pope recognises the hurt that his speech caused. He quoted the words of the emperor who made very derogatory remarks about the Prophet, and his inclusion has caused enormous hurt."
Muhammad Umar, chairman of Britain's Ramadhan Foundation, a Rochdale-based youth organisation, has accused the Pope of falling into "the trap of bigots and racists". Following the latest statement he said: "We welcome his apology and we hope now we can work together and build bridges. At the same time we would condemn all forms of violent demonstration.
"Burning images of the Pope is not going to help us or any community relationship. These individuals are the small radical element. They don't represent the vast majority of Muslims."
Ihtisham Hibatullah, of the British Muslim Initiative also welcomed the Pope's apology. "Even though the remarks weren't intentionally directed at offending Muslims, the Muslim community worldwide was deeply offended," he said.
The Pope's comments in his Tuesday lecture sparked protest in some areas and Palestinian security officials reported Molotov cocktails were thrown at two churches in the West Bank town of Nablus on Saturday while shots were fired by unidentified gunmen at the oldest Christian church in Gaza City.
Meanwhile, Morocco said it was recalling its ambassador to the Vatican because of the pope's "offensive" remarks.
In an interview with German newspaper Bild, German Chancellor Angela Merkel earlier defended the German-born Pontiff's comments, insisting that his comments had been misinterpreted and that they were rather to be taken as "an invitation to dialogue between religions".
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The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Sunday, September 17, 2006, 8:22 (BST)
Why do Muslims get so angry and violent at the smallest hint of criticism?
Michel Spiegel, London, U.K
Added: Sunday, September 17, 2006, 6:05 (BST)
Although the Pope did leave himself slightly vulnerable by using quotes that obviously would be sensitive to Islam, the reaction has been extreme to say the least. For sure, the core point he was making was a good one, even though he has been completely misunderstood. I believe this is due to the fact that worldwide, Muslims have become very sensitive and see themselves very much as the victims. No one is trying to attack Islam. By looking into the Pope's words a little deeper they should be able to see that.
Sarah Hanson, Leeds, England
Added: Sunday, September 17, 2006, 1:27 (BST)
I find nothing inaccurate in the Pope's statement. The Muslim reaction proved his point. The world needs the Gospel of Grace not more Religion.
Larry, Surrey, Canada
Added: Sunday, September 17, 2006, 0:25 (BST)
I think that they seem to over react and take offence too easily, not saying they are but it's like a thief, very paranoid if someone looks at them funny. If they were blameless they shouldn't worry what people say. I haven't seen a Jew get mad at someone for restating what happened in the holocaust or a German get angered for reciting nazi events. Why? Because they realize the fact, it was not them to blame nor did they cause it.
P.S. I do not wish to give any offence to the muslims, the Jewish people, who I respect greatly, and the Germans who i love deeply.
Cheyne, Parker, Colorado, USA
Added: Saturday, September 16, 2006, 22:19 (BST)
This is completely ridiculous. The Pope called for religions to unite under the umbrella of non-violence; that violence in the name of God is completely unjustified. Any rational person hearing his speech could tell this, yet there is this uproar. Once again the Muslim world seems to be isolating itself at a genuine attempt of another religion trying to find common ground in the fight against terror.
Thomas Weiz, Berlin, Germany
Added: Saturday, September 16, 2006, 20:56 (BST)
It amazes me and offends me that muslims the world over become extremely violent when someone says anything other than what they believe in how it relates to their prophet. What comes to mind is the Golden Rule said by Jesus...."Do unto others as you would want done unto you." If they lived by that very rule, this would be a much better world in which to live!
Michelle, New Jersey, USA
