Islamic fundamentalism endangers Muslims and Christians alike, says Vatican official

(Sept. 26, 2012) Reflecting upon Pope Benedict XVI’s recent apostolic journey to Lebanon, the president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue said that Islamic fundamentalism is“an enemy not only of Christians but also of Muslims themselves.” The Lebanese youth who cheered the Pope during his Sept. 14-16 to their country showed that the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims is not a utopia, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran told Vatican Radio. “They were next to each other to celebrate the Pope and shouted, ‘We love you.” Pope Benedict, he continued, “revived the memory of the time when Christians and Muslims lived together in many places. Fundamentalism is a common enemy for Christians and for Muslims themselves,” Cardinal Tauran added. “It destroys rather than builds. It is no exaggeration to say that Islamic fundamentalism is a danger to everyone.” He said Pope Benedict pointed out the way to peace. It is now up to those, who have the destiny of the Middle East in their hands to decide whether to take it and thus put an end to the suffering of the peoples who dwell in that troubled region – or whether to continue to leave room for violence.