Pope hopes remarks spark dialogue among religions

POPE Benedict XVI said yesterday that he has “deep respect” for Islam and that he hoped remarks he made in Germany last week — which sparked angry reactions in much of the Muslim world — can lead to dialogue among religions.

The Pope acknowledged his remarks were open to misinterpretation, but insisted he had not intended to endorse a negative view of Islam.

“I hope that in several occasions during the visit ... my deep respect for great religions, in particular for Muslims — who worship the one God and with whom we are engaged in defending and promoting together social justice, moral values, peace and freedom for all men — has emerged clearly,” Pope Benedict said during his weekly address at the Vatican.