ROME, SEPT. 15, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's words regarding Islam resonated with millions of Muslims worldwide who reject the justification of violence in the name of religion, said an expert in Islam.
Father Justo Lacunza, until recently rector of the Pontifical Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies of Rome, explained today on Vatican Radio, why, nonetheless, certain Muslim circles reacted harshly to the discourse the Pope gave Tuesday at the University of Regensburg.
"In this the Pope has done no more than take up again the sentiment and desire of millions of Muslims who in one way or another, say: 'Violence and Islam cannot be related,'" Father Lacunza said.
He said that many Muslims say: "We are Muslims and we want to be Muslim believers in today's world and against those who use religion to strike at others with violence. Religion cannot be the foundation of a conflict, a war, or any other kind of violence."
The Muslim world reacted so violently to the words of the Pope, said the priest, for two reasons: "The first is that the Islamic world and Muslims are very sensitive to those who speak of Islam, in particular, when they do not belong to the Muslim faith.
"The second reason is that the Pontiff touched on a very, very delicate point, which is that of violence and war."
ZE06091508 - 2006-09-15
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-16983?l=english
Pope Struck a Cord With Muslims, Says Expert
Despite Some Harsh Reactions
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