Reject all violence, says Pope

Castel Gandolfo, Italy: Pope Benedict told Muslim envoys on Monday that Christian and Muslim believers must reject all forms of violence, in an audience aimed at defusing anger over a speech seen as depicting Islam as violent.

The Pope expressed his "esteem and profound respect" for members of the Islamic faith in a meeting with diplomatic envoys from 22 Muslim countries plus the leaders of Italy's own Muslim community at his summer residence, Castel Gandolfo.

The Pope said "our future" depends on dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

The pontiff also quoted his predecessor, John Paul II, who had close relations with the Muslim world, stating the need
for "reciprocity in all fields," including religious freedom.

Pope Benedict spoke in French to a roomful of diplomats from 21 countries and the Arab League in his summer
residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.

The ambassadors' cars entered by a back door at Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summmer residence outside Rome.

The Albanian and Senegalese ambassadors were among the first to arrive.

Cardinal Paul Poupard, a Frenchman who leads the Vatican's efforts at dialogue between religions, said that the pope planned to meet personally with participants.

Benedict's spokesman, the Reverend Federico Lombardi, said the meeting, at the Vatican summer residence, was "certainly a sign that dialogue is returning to normal after moments of... misunderstanding." He predicted that the encounter would lead to further steps toward calm, constructive dialogue.

Since the September 12 speech on Islam, Benedict has said that his remarks were taken out of context and said he regreted that Muslims were offended.

Last week, the Holy See's ambassadors stationed in Muslim countries met with officials to assure them that the pope
respects Islam and to urge a complete reading of the speech, which was an exploration of the relationship
between faith and reason.