Muslims Demand that Pope ApologizeSeptember 15, 2006 - 15:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Muslim figures did not like some statements, included in theological lecture of Pope Benedict XVI at University of Regensburg, Bavaria. Specifically, when citing a medieval Byzantine source, the Catholic Church leader said, «Considering what new Mohammed brought, we will see only evil and inhumanity, this is his call to spread faith by means of a sword.» In response to that head of the French Council on Muslim Religion Dalil Bubaker said, «We hope that the Catholic Church will immediately explain its position, recognizing that it does not mix us Islam and Islamism, which is not a religion, but a political ideology.» In his turn, head of the Turkish Government Committee for Religious Affairs Ali Bardakoghlu called Pope's words full of «hostility and malice.» Representatives of religious organizations, governmental and public structures of Kuwait, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and other Muslim countries have also demanded that the Catholic Church leadership apologize and provide explanations. Head of Vatican Press Office Federico Lombardi responded to this criticism, stating that Benedict XVI respects Islam, but he does not accept violence, motivated by religion. «The Holy Father definitely did not mean to hurt the feelings of Muslim believers,» Lombardi said, reports Lenta.ru. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. |