Vatican City, Apr 25, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Pope Benedict XVI’s schedule was packed with meetings Monday, the first day after his inauguration. He began his busy day with the many Christian and Muslim leaders, who had attended the inaugural mass Sunday.
He repeated his intention to work for Christian unity and told Muslim representatives in particular that he wanted to continue building "bridges of friendship," which he said could foster peace in the world.
People who belong to religious traditions have a duty to work together for peace, he said.
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said afterward that he was "encouraged by the way Pope Benedict went out of his way to underline the commitment to ecumenism."