There seems to be a gross misunderstanding of what Pope Benedict XVI actually said on 12th September, at the University of Regensburg, Germany. He was addressing a group of intellectuals on the interaction of faith and reason, and the impact of early Greek philosophy on Christian thought. In the course of this lecture he quoted several writers and philosophers over the centuries.

Among these he quoted the views of a 14th Century Byzantine Emperor, Manuel II Paleologus, who had expressed a negative opinion on jihad in Islam, and the Prophet Mohammed. Nowhere in his presentation did the Pope endorse the views of the Emperor he quoted from. On the contrary he balances out that view by saying that the emperor should have known that Sura 2:256 of the Holy Qur’an says “There is no compulsion in religion.” It is obvious therefore that the Pope was also quoting the Holy Qur’an, in order to present the correct picture. Hence this presentation of the Pope cannot be termed anti-Islamic by any stretch of the imagination.

There is already so much religious tension in the world, and Muslims do feel genuinely threatened by Bush’s so-called “War against Terror”. The recent Danish cartoons were also deeply hurtful to the Muslim community. In such a surcharged atmosphere there was no need for such a quote. The Pope has since clarified that he respects Islam and had no intention to disparage anybody.

Let us also examine what is the Catholic Church’s official teachings or attitude towards Islam. They are contained in the documents of the Second Vatican Council, when 2000 bishops from all over the world deliberated on various issues for 3 years from 1962 to 1965. On 21/11/1964, the then Pope, Paul VI promulgated the “Dogmatic Constitution of the Church”, which is considered the most important document. Speaking of salvation and other religionists, this document says, “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place among these are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind” (No.16). It is obvious from this text that the Catholic Church considers Muslims as brothers who have a common heritage from Abraham, and share common beliefs.

Permit me to also quote another document, the “Declaration on the relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions”. This was promulgated by the same Pope Paul VI on 28/10/1965. I quote:

“Upon the Muslims too, the Church looks with esteem. They adore one God, living and enduing, merciful and all-powerful, Maker of heaven and earth and Speaker to men. They strive to submit whole-heartedly even to His inscrutable decrees, just as did Abraham, with whom the Islamic faith is pleased to associate itself. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honour Mary, His virgin mother: at times they call on her too, with devotion. In addition they await the day of judgement when God will give each man his due after raising him up. Consequently they prize the moral life, and give worship to God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.

Although in the course of centuries many quarrels and hostilities have arisen between Christians and Muslims, this most sacred Synod urges all to forget the past, and to strive sincerely for mutual understanding” (No. 3).

From the above quote it is clear that the Catholic Church holds Islam in high regard, and cherishes common bonds through Abraham, Jesus and Mary. It also extols the virtues of Islam like submission to God’s will, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church also addresses the issue of past conflicts, and clearly states that they belong to the past.

No Pope can change these official teachings. To do so he would again have to call over 4000 bishops from all over the world to deliberate in Synod, and then make a fresh promulgation. It is obvious therefore that the Catholic Church is in no way anti-Islamic. Pope Benedict’s quotation of a 14th Century Emperor was indiscreet and uncalled for. Muslims are aggrieved, though they are not aware of the context. Nevertheless there has been hurt and injury. I for one apologise to my Muslim sisters and brothers for any hurt caused to them by the Pope’s quotation. Let peace and brotherhood prevail.

(The writer is the former National President of the All India Catholic Union, and Secretary of the Manav Sadbhav Abhiyan, Kanpur)