Pope Benedict has said he is sorry that his comments about Islam were interpreted as offensive to Muslims.
In a statement issued by the Vatican, the Pontiff expressed his respect for Muslims and hoped that they would understand the true sense of his words.
Earlier this week, Pope Benedict quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor who said the Prophet Muhammed had brought the world only 'evil and inhuman' things.
Today's apology follows criticism of his remarks, which appear to have put next month's visit by to Turkey, which is a mainly Muslim country, in doubt.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said the remarks could alienate the Muslim world from the west.
Mr Musharraf warned that any tendencies to link terrorism with Islam must be opposed.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said the Pope needed to explain his remarks.
And a leading scholar on contemporary Islam, Professor Akbar Ahmed, has said Pope Benedict should realise that he is a spokesperson for the Western world.
Meanwhile, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has defended Pope Benedict. She said critics misunderstood the aim of his speech, which was to call for dialogue between religions.
