CNN: Pope at meeting with Muslims: "Total and profound respect"

[DeepModem Mom]

Pope: 'Total and profound respect for Muslims'
September 25, 2006



ROME, Italy (CNN) -- Pope Benedict XVI expressed "total and profound respect for all Muslims" at a meeting Monday with ambassadors from Muslim nations and other Islamic leaders.

The meeting at the pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, was called in an effort to repair relations following controversial comments he made earlier in the month.

Benedict told the envoys that "our future" depends on dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

Among about 20 ambassadors attending the meeting were representatives from Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey and Morocco -- as well as members of Italy's Muslim community. Also presents were diplomats from Indonesia, where Christian-Muslim tensions were further heightened last week by the execution of three Catholic militants.

Last month, Benedict had appealed for the men's lives to be spared.

Iraq's envoy to Vatican said after Monday's meeting with Benedict that "it is now time to put what happened behind (us) and build bridges," The Associated Press reported....

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/09/25/pope.muslims/index.html

[knowbody0]

1. They called it a "meeting"

but the pope was the only one to speak. That sounds like a lecture.

[chapel hill dem]

2. The Pope has "total and profound respect" for ALL human life.

Witness his abortion and birth control positions.

The Pope's quote did not say that he respected Islam.

The quote from the Iraqi envoy Albert Edward Ismail Yelda said "The Holy Father stated his profound respect for Islam".

I understand the meeting was held in French. Wonder if this is a translation issue or a parsing issue?

Hmmmm.....

[CJCRANE]

3. This is a good sign..n/t

[goclark]

4. Right, it's better than nothing

+I bet this gave him some sleepless nights.

He shouldn't have listened to his GW Pals.

[silvermachine]

5. "total and profound respect"

Sounds like he's trying to be Ali G.

[truthisfreedom]

6. all except for the "you're worshipping a false god" business.

which he spoke into his sleeve.