Pope In Veiled Reference to Islam Says Peace Is Dependent on Respect of Human Rights
Pope Benedict said in his first public address of the new year that peace can only be achieved if the rights of individuals are respected.
“It is because every human individual, without distinction of race, culture or religion, is created in the image and likeness of God, that he is filled with the same dignity of person. That is why he must be respected. No reason can ever justify doing with him whatever one pleases, as if he is an object,” he said.
The Pope also spoke of the situation in the Middle East . “How can we not turn our attention to the awful situation in the land where Jesus was born?” He called on Christians to pray for peace in the region.
The Pope has pulled back from his more direct comments about Islam since his comments about Islam being violent instigated Muslim riots and murders of Catholic priests and nuns.
