Vatican Meets With Muslims to Set Summit

Leaders aim to mend rift created by pope's inflammatory speech

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 4, 2008 12:50 PM CST

(Newser) – Leaders from the Muslim world met with Vatican officials today to begin preparations for this summer's landmark Catholic-Islamic summit. Pope Benedict XVI will participate in the talks in an effort by the two religions to reconcile differences aggravated by a 2006 speech by the pontiff that offended many Muslims, reports the BBC.

Benedict's quotation of a medieval Christian theologian who characterized some of Muhammad's teachings as "evil and inhuman" provoked an interfaith storm. Benedict has since expressed "regret" but hasn't apologized. More than 200 Islamic scholars have called on the pope to participate in talks. Today's pre-summit meeting included Muslim leaders from Italy, Turkey, Great Britain, Jordan, and Libya.

In this photo released by the Vatican's L'Osservatore Romano newspaper, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, left, and Pope Benedict XVI, are photographed during a meeting at the Vatican, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007.... (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful during the traditional Sunday noon Angelus prayer he celebrated from the balcony of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 2, 2008. (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI walks down steps during the weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Wednesday Feb. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri) (Associated Press)

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Vatican Meets With Muslims to Set Summit

Leaders aim to mend rift created by pope's inflammatory speech

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Islam • Pope Benedict XVI • Catholic Church • Vatican • Muhammad • interfaith dialogue

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Catholics, Muslims Seek Common Ground at Vatican

Christian-Muslim talks emphasize common belief

Prominent Italian Muslim Baptized by Pope

Convert Takes Big Step at Vatican During Easter Vigil

Benedict Plans to Meet With Muslim Leaders

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

Pope Backtracks on Muslims

Benedict rebuilds demoted department the leads dialog with Islamic world

Vatican Leaks Expose a Mutiny Within

Leaks shed light on Holy See power struggle

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Newser By Users

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