Pope meets with Muslim diplomats

Common goals, including fight against abortion
Among those attending was a diplomat from Indonesia, where Christian-Muslim tensions were heightened last week by the execution of three Roman Catholic militants. Benedict had appealed for the men’s lives to be spared.

Turkey also participated. Benedict plans to travel in November to that predominantly Muslim but officially secular country, which was among the first to vigorously protest the Regensburg remarks.

Last week, the Holy See’s ambassadors in Muslim countries met with officials to assure them the pope respects Islam and to urge a complete reading of the speech.

The Vatican and much of the Muslim world share some important goals, including the battle against legalized abortion. Benedict also was among the first to urge Israel to turn to dialogue in its battle in Lebanon against Hezbollah guerrillas.

Benedict gave “a very clear, very intelligent speech,” said Mohamed Nour Dachan, an Italian of Syrian origin who heads the Union of Islamic Communities, one of the more radical Italian Muslim groups. “In a few words, the dialogue goes on. The dialogue is a priority for both Muslims and Christians.”

In a departure from usual practice, the Vatican press office included a translation of the speech in Arabic.

MORE FROM EUROPE

Europe Section Front

Mass climate rally in London streets   Swedish store removes N. Korean jeans Knox upset, tired; gets family visit in prison Italy seizes secret stash of masterpieces Russian nightclub fire kills 103 Hit man alleges Berlusconi tie to Mafia U.S., Russia vow to respect expiring treaty Swine flu shot may give young kids fever Polanski begins house arrest in Swiss chalet Fugitive ex-wife in Tucson killing caught Europe Section Front   Add Europe headlines to your news reader: