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Pope Backtracks on Muslims

Benedict rebuilds demoted department the leads dialog with Islamic world

By Peter Fearon, Newser Staff

Posted May 29, 2007 5:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Pope applied some salve to wounded relations with the Muslim world yesterday after neglecting and then appearing to slander Islam in a speech last fall. In a surprising reversal, Benedict XVI announced he is restoring the Vatican department responsible for Muslim affairs, which he demoted in importance last year.

Muslim leaders welcomed the move as a step towards the more eccumenical course of the Pope's predecessor, Pope John Paul. A year ago Benedict had merged the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue with another department and removed its director. In September he quoted a Byzantine emperor's characterization of Islam as evil and essentially violent.

In this photo released by the Vatican's L'Osservatore Romano newspaper, Pope Benedict XVI appears wearing a wide-brimmed red hat, at the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican,... (Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI gives his blessing at the annual assembly of the CEI Italian bishops conference at the Vatican, Thursday May 24, 2007. The ponttif on Thursday praised a recent demonstration in Rome... (Associated Press)

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Pope Backtracks on Muslims

Benedict rebuilds demoted department the leads dialog with Islamic world

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Benedict rebuilds demoted department the leads dialog with Islamic world

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

About Face by Vatican

Islam • Pope Benedict XVI • Vatican City • Catholic Church • religion • Vatican

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

America May See Soft Side of Hardline Pope

Pontiff known to blend dogma with compassion

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

Vatican Offers Earthly Rewards

Employees get new corporate-style bonus system

Vatican Leaks Expose a Mutiny Within

Leaks shed light on Holy See power struggle

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?