Benedict Plans to Meet With Muslim Leaders

'Historic' spring summit seeks to mend rift after 2006 controversy

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 2, 2008 11:59 AM CST

(Newser) – Catholic and Muslim leaders plan a "historic" meeting at the Vatican this spring, reports the AP, a year and a half after Pope Benedict's controversial comments about the Prophet Muhammad. Benedict proposed the meeting in response to an open letter from 138 Muslim scholars that urged interfaith dialogue based on common belief in a single god.

The talks will focus primarily on interfaith dialogue, teaching tolerance to the young, and respect for individual dignity. In September 2006 the pope angered many Muslims by citing a medieval theologian who characterized some of Muhammad's teachings as "evil and inhuman." The resulting storm of protest forced the pontiff to backtrack, saying he was "deeply sorry."

Pope Benedict XVI holds the pastoral staff during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008. The Pontiff opened the New Year on with an appeal for world peace, calling it a... (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI holds the pastoral staff as he celebrates a mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008. The Pontiff opened the New Year on with an appeal for world peace, calling... (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI waves as he leaves St. Peter's square after celebrating an evening vespers service in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful to deliver his "Urbi et Orbi" message, Latin for ''to the city and to the world", as he appears from the velvet-draped central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at... (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI deliuvers his blessing during the weekly general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008. The Vatican has confirmed that a "historic'' meeting is planned... (Associated Press)

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Benedict Plans to Meet With Muslim Leaders

'Historic' spring summit seeks to mend rift after 2006 controversy

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Catholics, Muslims Seek Common Ground at Vatican

Christian-Muslim talks emphasize common belief

Muslims Outnumber Catholics: Vatican

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Prominent Italian Muslim Baptized by Pope

Convert Takes Big Step at Vatican During Easter Vigil

Pope Pushing for Church in Saudi Arabia

Islam's holy ground could be ready to open up

Pope to Cut Luther a Break

Vatican changing view after 500 years

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'Historic' spring summit seeks to mend rift after 2006 controversy

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Islam • Pope Benedict XVI • Muslims • God • Vatican • Catholicism • Prophet Muhammed • pontiff • interfaith dialogue

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Catholics, Muslims Seek Common Ground at Vatican

Christian-Muslim talks emphasize common belief

Muslims Outnumber Catholics: Vatican

Islam is world's biggest religion with 1.3B members

Prominent Italian Muslim Baptized by Pope

Convert Takes Big Step at Vatican During Easter Vigil

Pope Pushing for Church in Saudi Arabia

Islam's holy ground could be ready to open up

Pope to Cut Luther a Break

Vatican changing view after 500 years

About Us

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Newser By Users

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