Criticism Continues Of Pope's Islam Remarks
September 15, 2006
Pope Benedict XVI (file photo) (AFP)
In a theological lecture on September 12, the pope cited a Byzantine emperor's criticism of the Prophet Muhammad and jihad (holy war).
Pakistan's parliament adopted a unanimous resolution calling on the pope to retract the remarks. There was also criticism from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.
And the chairman of one of Indonesia's biggest Islamic organizations, Din Syamsuddin of Muhammadiyah, said the statement reflected what he called the pope's lack of wisdom.
Other Muslim leaders have asked that the pope apologize for his remarks.
The Vatican has said that the pontiff had not meant to offend Muslims.
(AFP, dpa, AP, Reuters)