CWNews.com - Coptic Orthodox Christians clashed with police in Alexandria following a January 1 church bombing that left 21 dead. Egyptian religious and civil authorities decried the violence.
Pope Benedict XVI condemned the bombing as a “vile and murderous gesture” that “offends God and all humankind.” He encouraged Christians to resist the urge to violence in response, while calling upon political leaders to protect Christians from such violence. Although he condemned the bombing, Egypt’s leading Muslim leader blasted Pope Benedict for calling for the protection of Christians. “I disagree with the Pope's view, and I ask why did the Pope not call for the protection of Muslims when they were subjected to killings in Iraq?” said Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, who accused the Pontiff of “unacceptable interference in Egypt’s affairs.”
The director of the Vatican press office, Father Federico Lombardi, said that the Islamic leader's statement seemed to reflect a "misunderstanding of communications." The Pope opposes all religious violence, Father Lombardi said, and would not restrict his condemnation to attacks on Christians. However, the Vatican spokesman pointed out, "in this case we are talking about targeted violence against a Christian minority. But this in no way means minimizing or justifying violence against the faithful of other religions."
Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.
- Nuncio to Egypt, New Year’s attack proves religious freedom is key to peace (Vatican Radio)
- Egypt’s religious leaders condemn 'predictable’ attack (Vatican Radio)
- Coptic Christians clash with Egypt police (Reuters)
- Prayers for Victims of Massacre at Coptic Church in Egypt (VIS)
- Pope denounces vile acts of death against Christians in Iraq, Egypt (Vatican Radio)
- Pope: The attacks in Egypt and Iraq are an offense against God and humanity (AsiaNews)
- Imam of Al Azhar Criticises Pope's 'Interference' (AGI)
- Pope accused of 'meddling' in Egypt (PressTV)
- Fr. Lombardi reiterates commitment of Pope Benedict XVI to authentic religious liberty for all (Vatican Radio)