The Hindu : National : ``Pope should withdraw remarks''

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 17, 2006
ePaper

National

National

``Pope should withdraw remarks''

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan unit of Jamat-e-Islami Hind on Saturday demanded that Pope Benedict XVI retract his `controversial' remarks on Islam.

It said his words would provide strength to the forces out to promote hatred between Christians and Muslims all over the world in the surcharged atmosphere at present.

Jamat-e-Islami State president Mohammed Salim said the `observations' attributed to him and critical of Islamic teachings, were `highly objectionable and unbecoming of the status of the Pontiff who is the head of the Catholic Church and commands the respect of people belonging to all religions.'

Mr. Salim said the Pope's `comments' would provide fuel to the U.S.-led so-called war against terrorism by providing justification to the series of attacks in the Middle East and once again threaten world peace by provoking more people to resort to violence against Muslims.

The leaders of the Rajasthan Muslim Forum, an apex body of Muslim groups in the State, met here on Saturday to discuss the fallout of the Pope's `remarks' and expressed anguish over their tone and tenor.

Mr. Salim said the Muslim organisations would wait for an official clarification by the Catholic Church before launching a public agitation.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National