VATICAN: POPE SAYS THAT ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE

Pope backs Turkey's EU bid, says Islam is a faith of peace
Compiled by Daily Star staff

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"He said we are not political but we wish for Turkey to join the EU," Erdogan told journalists before leaving for a NATO summit in Riga.

Benedict, before his 2005 election as pope, had opposed Turkey's EU ambitions.

"The most important message the pope gave was toward Islam, he reiterated his view of Islam as peaceful and affectionate," he added.

Benedict triggered an outcry in September when he quoted a 14th-century Christian emperor who characterized the Prophet Mohammad's teachings as "evil and inhuman."

He later met with Turkey's chief Islamic cleric, who strongly condemned the pope's remarks in September.

At a joint appearance, Ali Bardakoglu repeated that Islam was not a religion of violence and that arguing so can only encourage those who abuse religion to do wrong. Bardakoglu, who heads Ankara's Directorate General for Religious Affairs, said all Muslims were offended by accusations that their religion was violent.

"The so-called conviction that the sword is used to expand Islam in the world and growing Islamophobia hurts all Muslims," he said.

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If what is being reported, about what the Pontiff has said, than the Church has learned NOTHING from 1400 yrs of islamic history...NOTHING ! ! !

Pertinent Links:

1) Pope backs Turkey's EU bid, says Islam is a faith of peace