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"We are called to respect the religion of the other, its teachings, its symbols, its values," he said in a statement distributed by the Vatican press office.
"I have decided to sign this traditional message myself and to send it to you, dear friends, as an expression of esteem and friendship for all Muslims, especially those who are religious leaders.
"We all know that mutual respect is fundamental in any human relationship, especially among people who profess religious belief," he said.
The statement was addressed "To Muslims Throughout the World" and the Vatican explained that the message has been traditional since 1967 but only John Paul II in 1991 previously sent a similar personal message.
Iran's outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned arch-foe Israel Friday in one of his last public speeches that a regional storm was brewing that would "uproot" the Jewish state.
"I will inform you with God as my witness, a devastating storm is on the way that will uproot the basis of Zionism," Ahmadinejad said in Quds (Jerusalem) Day remarks broadcast on state television.
Pope urges 'mutual respect' with Islam; While Iran Presidents threaten Israel ,
Or, would you like to attack me some more and point fingers at the USA way of life? That seems to be your preference. And I've told you before, it's counter-productive.
Originally posted by sk0rpi0n
You're basically saying "Look how sweet these guys are, while those guys are being so mean".
Uh oh. This is gonna cause some friction, I bet!! I just wish the whole world would calm down a bit. Things are sliding off the edge of the cliff now, it seems.
Mmmhmmm. Not sounding like a Pope-defender. The incoming President has called Israel a "wound" on the Muslim world. This sounds scary ominous to me.
"I will inform you with God as my witness, a devastating storm is on the way that will uproot the basis of Zionism," Ahmadinejad said in Quds (Jerusalem) Day remarks broadcast on state television.
In a parting shot against Israel, which he has consistently targeted in public comments during eight years in power, Ahmadinejad said it "has no place in this region".
I didn't fill the pot with hate stew....and for these two headlines to come out simultaneously DOES relate the two. It's simply TIMING. Or, are you suggesting that religious strife is a non-event?
OP, its also clear that you're trying to stir the pot with the thread title.
If the goal is to have better condtions and respect for Christians who live in Middle East and islamic countries, timing is not right for the message to be heard.
I don't know how a (semi) traditional statement of mutual respect for other religions can be interpreted as a bad thing.
Originally posted by wildtimes
The timing is abysmal,