Religious Figures React to Pope’s Anti-Islamic Remarks

The comments made by Pope Benedict XVI, leader of World Catholics, which were critical of Islam, have been widely reflected worldwide and the religious figures of different countries have referred to his remarks as unworthy, deplorable and irresponsible, IRIB reported.

According to AFP, Khorshid Ahmad, head of the Islamic Research Institute in Islamabad, said it is so unworthy for a religious figure to make such comments and cause division among the followers of different religions.

He added instead of closing the gap between Islam and Christianity, Pope is distorting the relations between these two religions.

He emphasized that by making such comments, Pope is collaborating with those who want to harm Muslims and Islam.

Meanwhile, Hafez Hussein Ahmad, one of the leaders of Pakistan's Islamic Ulema Association Party called on Pope not to follow George Bush.

Head of Turkish Organization for Religious Affairs Ali Bardak Oghlou also referred to Pope's comments and said these allegations show Pope's animosity and he should immediately apologize to Muslims. He added the West has always assessed Islam and the Great Prophet of Islam Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) with a spiteful and unrealistic viewpoint.

Head of Kuwait's Islamic Ummah Party Secretary General, Hakem Al-Motiri also emphasized that Pope should apologize to the World of Islam for his irresponsible allegations.

He also called on the Islamic countries to recall their ambassadors to Vatican, as a sign of protest to Pope's comments.

Meanwhile, Head of Kuwait's Shiite Ulema Society Seyed Mohammad-Baqer Al-Mehri also considered Pope's comments as unjustifiable and said these allegations only leads to animosity among religions.

Dalil Abubakr, head of the Islamic Council, which is the most important Islamic organization in France, called on Vatican to provide a justified explanation for Pope's recent remarks.

Abubakr also hoped friendly relations between Islam and Christianity would be reinforced.

Making unrealistic remarks in Germany on Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI said Islam has only brought mischief and has spread across the world by resorting to force.