As a nonbeliever, I tend to give about, uh, half a toss for the religious/spiritual pontifications of the Pontiff. But as a political figure, the Pope does deserve to be listened to, not because he has "moral authority" but because as a monarch he has a certain built-in audience and distribution network with which to exert some influence.
So it is good, I suppose, that Benedict XVI is saying things that so far very few heads of state have had the courage to utter:
Addressing Muslim leaders in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI delivered the strongest rebuke of terrorism of his nearly four-month-old papacy, asking Muslims to join Christians in trying to combat its spread and "turn back the wave of cruel fanaticism" behind it.
"I am certain that I echo your own thoughts when I bring up as one of our concerns the spread of terrorism," Benedict told the Muslim leadership, mainly Turks.
"Terrorist activity is continually recurring in various parts of the world, sowing death and destruction, and plunging many of our brothers and sisters into grief and despair," he said.
The pope spoke of terrorism striking in "various parts of the world" but did not mention any specific attacks, assess responsibility or speak directly about suicide bombings. It appeared significant, however, that he chose a Muslim audience for his remarks on terrorism as many recent attacks have been attributed to Islamic extremists.
Good for Bennie, but this is still a Catholic Prelate wagging his fingers at Muslims. And really, what difference does this make?
Hat tip: Norman, the thinking-est man in the British blogosphere.
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