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Pope Pushing for Church in Saudi Arabia

Islam's holy ground could be ready to open up

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2008 10:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pope Benedict XVI is lobbying Saudi Arabia to let a Catholic church on its soil, Time reports. The Vatican confirms that it's discussing forging diplomatic relations with the Saudis, but a house of worship would be a major coup in a country where all religions besides Sunni Islam are banned.

A small, unadorned chapel recently went up in neighboring Qatar. But Saudi Arabia, home to the Islamic holy land as well as 800,000 Christians (many of them migrant workers), is far more draconian. Benedict has been a stalwart advocate of religious freedom in the Middle East, but famously riled up Muslims in 2006 in a speech about Islam and violence.

Pope Benedict XVI meets with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah at the Vatican, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Helgren, pool)

Pope Benedict XVI holds his pastoral staff at the end of a Chrism Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, March 20, 2008. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, left, and Pope Benedict XVI, are photographed during a meeting at the Vatican, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo)

Pope Benedict XVI welcomes Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah at the Vatican, Nov. 6, 2007. Pope Benedict XVI has been pressing Abdullah to allow freedom of worship for Christians. (AP Photo/Chris Helgren, Pool)

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, at center, and Pope Benedict XVI, at right, exchange gifts during their meeting at the Vatican, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo)

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, at center in white, and Pope Benedict XVI, at right in red, exchange gifts during their meeting at the Vatican, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo)

Pope Benedict XVI meets with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah at the Vatican, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Helgren, pool)

In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI meets with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah at the Vatican, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007. (AP Photo)

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Islam's holy ground could be ready to open up

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Islam's holy ground could be ready to open up

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Islam • Saudi Arabia • Pope Benedict XVI • King Abdullah • Qatar • Catholicism • 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

Benedict Plans to Meet With Muslim Leaders

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

Mecca Time Plugged for World Standard

Muslim scholars say British-imposed GMT due for a change

Prominent Italian Muslim Baptized by Pope

Convert Takes Big Step at Vatican During Easter Vigil

Vatican Meets With Muslims to Set Summit

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

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