Pope warns of "ideological manipulation" of religion
The Pope is on an eight-day tour of the Middle East.
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Sunday, 10, May 2009 11:07
In a speech in the capital of Jordan, Pope Benedict XVI has warned of the consequences of the "ideological manipulation" of religion.
Speaking at the al-Hussein mosque during a trip to the country, the pontiff said that violence was the result of the use of religion for political means and not a result of differences between different religions.
He called on Muslims and Christians to unite as "worshippers of God" adding: "Certainly, the contradiction of tensions and divisions between the followers 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 and division, and at times even violence in society?"
The Pope's speech was eagerly awaited as in 2006, there were widespread protests across the Muslim world after he quoted a medieval emperor criticising the Prophet Muhammad.
Later today, the Pope will speak at Mass in a football stadium in Jordan's capital on the third day of his tour of the Middle East.