Pope Benedict gives response to Muslim Scholars

BBC NEWS | Europe | Pope decries ‘religious’ violence

Pope Benedict XVI has urged world religious leaders not to allow God’s name to be used to justify violence.

He said: “religions must never become vehicles for hatred”. He also said that the Catholic Church would continue to seek dialogue to bridge the gap between the cultures:

“In a world wounded by conflicts, where violence is
justified in God’s name, it’s important to repeat that religion can
never become a vehicle of hatred, it can never be used in God’s name to
justify violence,” the Pope told the gathering.

“On the contrary, religions can and must offer precious
resources to build a peaceful humanity, because they speak about peace
in the heart of man.

“With respect for the differences between different
religions, we are all called to work for peace and an effective effort
to promote reconciliation between peoples.”

The Pope highlighted criminal violence in Naples

The Pope also made it clear that he will never budge on traditional Catholic teaching, that Catholicism alone is the one true faith.

Prior to the meeting of religious leaders the Pope celebrated an open air Mass in Naples, but there was a poor turnout for the Mass. Pope Benedict called for a profound renewal in the city of Naples, a city plagued by unemployment and a high crime rate. He singled out the activities of the local mafia of Naples, the organization that controls much of the city’s economy.

“How important it is to intensify efforts for a serious
strategy of prevention focusing on schools and the workplace and on
helping young people spend their free time,” the Pope said.

“Everyone must intervene against violence.”

Powered by ScribeFire.

Vatican Responds to call from Muslim Scholars

A top Vatican official
has praised the Muslim call for dialogue whilst at the same time saying
that there are difficulties in having a real theological debate because
they saw the Koran as the literal word of God and would not discuss it
in depth.

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran stated in an interview in
the French Catholic daily La Croix, that Christians would have to
discuss the curbs on building churches in the Islamic world in any
dialogue with the Muslim scholars.

The Cardinal stated that:
“Muslims do not accept that one can discuss the Koran in depth because
they say it was written by dictation from God. With such an absolute
interpretation, it is difficult to discuss the contents of faith.”

The
fact that Muslims can build mosques in Europe (and elsewhere) while
many Islamic states limit or ban church building cannot be ignored. “In
limited dialogue among believers, it is fundamental to say what is good
for one is good for the other” he said.

Whilst other Christian
denominations welcomed the letter from the Muslim scholars, the key to
any coordinated response is the Catholic response. It is expected that
Pope Benedict will make a response to the appeal from the Muslim
scholars when he addresses an interfaith meeting in Naples.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Pope Benedict appeals to Sth Korea to reject cloning

Pope Benedict has appealed to South Korea’s “inherent moral sensibility” to reject embryonic stem cell research and human cloning after the country decided to let embryonic stem cell research resume.

Whilst noting South Korea’s notable successes in scientific research and development, Benedict stated that such research must be carried out with firm ethical standards, that always respect the dignity of human life.

Pope Benedict noted that the Vatican does not oppose somatic stem cell research, also known as therapeutic cloning, which uses human eggs.

Powered by ScribeFire.