Pope Benedict XVI has urged Christians and Muslims to jointly defend religion from political manipulation.
Speaking at the modern King Hussein bin Talal Mosque in Amman, he struck a note of harmony and shared purpose between the world's two largest religions, continuing a main theme of his trip to the Middle East.
‘I firmly believe Christians and Muslims can embrace (the task of cooperation) particularly through our respective contributions to learning and scholarship, and public service,’ he told Islamic leaders and diplomats at the mosque.
Addressing the Pope, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal, reminded the him of the ‘hurt’ Muslims around the world felt in 2006 after the Pontiff quoted a Byzantine emperor who said Islam was irrational and violent.
In one section of his address at the mosque, Benedict referred to God as ‘merciful and compassionate’, using the formula Muslims use when speaking of God.
He said while no-one could deny a history of tensions and divisions, Christians and Muslims should prevent ‘the manipulation of religion, sometimes for political ends’.
Pope Benedict will stay in Jordan until Monday, when he moves on to Israel.
