More on this story. “Pope meets with Muslims, urges better ties,” by Frances D’emilio for the Associated Press, November 6:
VATICAN CITY (AP) “” Pope Benedict XVI has told Muslim clergy and scholars that Christians and Muslims must overcome their misunderstandings. He is also urging freedom of worship for non-Muslims in the Islamic world.
One for two: not too bad.
Benedict had invited Catholic and Muslim experts and religious figures to a three-day conference on the Vatican to bridge differences between the two religions. The pope met with the participants Thursday and told them he had followed the “progress” of their talks closely.
The pope’s baptism of a prominent Egyptian-born Muslim last Easter in St. Peter’s Basilica upset some in the Muslim world. Benedict also angered Muslims with comments linking Islam to violence in a speech in 2006.
Benedict expressed regret for any offense caused by his 2006 remarks.