Pope Tells Muslims that religion rejects violence

Katy Greene
March 20th, 2009
3:33 PM

In a speech given in Cameroon Pope Benedict XVI told Muslim leaders that the very nature of religion must reject violence. The Pope was in Africa to speak to the ever expanding population of Catholics in Cameroon. He spoke to a crowd of over forty thousand people at a sports stadium, before presiding over a Mass in the capital city of Yaounde. This was Pope Benedict's first visit to Africa since becoming Pope.
In his speech, he told of his sorrow of the plight facing many African children, particuarly of the kidnapping and forced military partcipation.Child soldiers are a problem throughout much of Africa, particuarly in the Congo and Uganda. Earlier that day, the Pope met with 22 leading Muslim representatives. Although Muslim's are the minority in Cameroon, they represent a sizable portion of the population. He told these men that regardless of their religious differences, they could agree that there is no place for violence in religion. He wants Catholics and Muslims to work together to endorse a lasting peace.
Muslims and Christians have gotten along fairly well in Cameroon, and the Pope said that he hopes their country will be an example to the rest of Africa. In 2006, the Pope made a controversial speech where he linked Islam to violence, and was criticized harshly for his remarks. Since then, he has made a concious effort to avoid remarks such as these. However, earlier this week, he made the controversial remark that giving condoms to Africans will only help spread the AIDS epedemic. This remark has recieved criticism from governments and organizations all over the world.
I think it is wonderful that the Pope is advocating peace between Muslims and Christians in Africa, where there has been so much religious turmoil over the years. However, I disgree with the Pope's decision to denounce condoms as a way to help control the AIDS epedmic. I think that this is irresponsible and illogical, and will only hurt his cause.

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