Pope calls for Christian, Muslim harmony

Addressing Muslim religious leaders in the King Hussein Mosque in Amman, the largest and newest in the Jordanian capital, he suggested that inter-faith violence comes from “manipulation of religion” rather than a clash of religious beliefs. He called on Jordan’s Muslims and Christians, who enjoy a good relationship, to work together to build their society.

When he arrived in Amman on Friday, he declared that he is a “pilgrim of peace” and stressed his “deep respect” for Islam. However, in a speech made in 2006 he angered many Muslims by referring to criticisms of Islam by a medieval scholar.

During Benedict’s visit to the mosque, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, a cousin of King Abdullah, attempted to gloss over the disagreement the pope’s comments caused.

But since he apologised only for the hurt and anger they caused rather than for their content, his apology has not been accepted by the influential Muslim Brotherhood.

Earlier on Saturday, he spoke of the “inseparable bond” between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people while visiting Mount Nebo overlooking the Jordan valley from where the Bible says Moses saw the Promised Land.

“May our encounter today inspire in us a renewed love for the canon of sacred scripture and a desire to overcome all obstacles to the reconciliation of Christians and Jews in mutual respect and cooperation in the service of that peace to which the word of God calls us.”

The German-born pope, who was a member of the Hitler youth as a lad and then served in the army, angered Jews earlier this year when he revoked the excommunication of a conservative bishop who denies the Holocaust.