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Vatican Sending Envoys to Muslim States to Explain Pope's Remarks
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?r=279&ctl=14034D3:A6F02AD83191E16009031AD706A4D26C9574F7DCC14957C0 Pope
Benedict XVI has expressed regret for Muslim world's outrage following
speech last week The Vatican says it is sending envoys to meet with
political and religious leaders in Muslim countries in an effort to
defuse anger over Pope Benedict's recent controversial remarks about
Islam.







Pope Benedict XVI Officials say the envoys will explain the pope's
speech, which quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor who said some of
the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad brought evil and inhumane forces
to the world.

The pope has said the comments are not his views and expressed regret
for the Muslim world's outrage following his speech last week in
Germany.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi says his country accepts the
pope's expressions of regret, but he urged the Roman Catholic leader
to refrain from making statements that could anger Muslims further.
Malaysia chairs the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the
world's biggest Muslim bloc.

During a meeting with Mr. Badawi in New York Monday, President Bush
said he thinks the pope was sincere in his regret.

Despite the Vatican's repeated apologies for any misunderstanding
caused by the speech, many Muslims have equated what the Pope said
with what they think he believes. Angry protesters took to the streets
in Pakistani Kashmir and in Iraq Monday.

Australia's top Catholic, Cardinal George Pell, said Monday the
demonstrators' reaction shows the connection for many Islamists
between religion and violence. Some information for this report was
provided by AP and Reuters.


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