“In this regard, we must note that the right of religious freedom extendsbeyond the question of worship and includes the right – especially ofminorities – to fair access to the employment market and other spheres of civiclife,” he said.
He also addressed the idea that religions fail to build unity and harmonyand are an inherent cause of division whose place in the “public sphere” mustbe minimized.
“Certainly, the contradiction of tensions and divisions between thefollowers of different religious traditions, sadly, cannot be denied. However,is it not also the case that often it is the ideological manipulation of religion,sometimes for political ends, that is the real catalyst for tension anddivision, and at times even violence in society?”
In a situation where opponents of religion seek not only to silence it butto replace its voice with their own, “the need for believers to be true totheir principles and beliefs is felt all the more keenly,” he said.
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“Muslims and Christians,
precisely because of the burden of our common history so often marked bymisunderstanding, must today strive to be known and recognized as worshippersof God faithful to prayer, eager to uphold and live by the Almighty’s decrees,merciful and compassionate, consistent in bearing witness to all that is trueand good, and ever mindful of the common origin and dignity of all humanpersons, who remain at the apex of God’s creative design for the world and forhistory,” Pope Benedict insisted.
He then praised efforts made by Jordan’s leaders to ensure the public faceof religion reflects its “true nature.”
Benedict XVI pointed to his Friday visit to the Our Lady of Peace Center,where Christians and Muslims assist and educate disabled children, and alsoMadaba University, where Muslim and Christian adults are educated side by side.
These initiatives should prompt Christians and Muslims to deeply probe the“essential relationship” between God and his world, to ensure that society“resonates in harmony with the divine order,” he stated.
Pope Benedict also acknowledged “in a special way” the presence of thePatriarch of Baghdad Emmanuel III Delly.
“The international community’s efforts to promote peace and reconciliation,together with those of the local leaders, must continue in order to bear fruitin the lives of Iraqis,” he said, expressing appreciation for those rebuildingIraq.
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The Pope closed by saying he trusted his comments would create “renewed hopefor the future.”
“May reason, ennobled and humbled by the grandeur of God’s truth, continueto shape the life and institutions of this nation, in order that families mayflourish and that all may live in peace, contributing to and drawing upon theculture that unifies this great Kingdom!”
At a press conference following Pope Benedict’s appearance at the mosque,Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi again addressed the controversy overthe 2006 Regensburg speech.
He stressed that the Pope has delivered many speeches of relevance toMuslim-Christian dialogue since the “misunderstanding,” and said that those whowere able to receive the explanation now understand it, while those who don’t“will not understand it.”
Dialogue between Muslims and the Vatican is “going on very well,” hereported.
Fr. Lombardi also responded to a question about whether Pope Benedict hadtaken off his shoes at the mosque, in accordance with Muslim custom.