Filipino Muslim leaders express support for Pope

Manila: A manifesto expressing support to Pope Benedict XVI has been signed by Filipino Muslim leaders, in the aftermath of the debacle over the Catholic Church leader's recent controversial statement.

The manifesto, signed by elected Muslim political leaders, not only expressed support to Pope Benedict XVI, but also aired their acceptance of a personal apology he offered for a speech that offended Muslims around the world.

"It is our honest belief that it was never the intention of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to hurt or offend the feelings of Muslims like us," the leaders noted.

The Muslim political leaders were led by Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr, and Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, governor and vice-governor of Maguindanao, respectively; and Muslimin Sema, mayor of Cotabato City.

According to their lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, the leaders wanted to make public their position on the issue as a sign of peace and unity.

"This is one way of showing our sympathy and sincere concern for our Pope," he said.

Macalintal said the leaders came up with the manifesto after consulting their religious leaders.

While the September 12 remark from the 79-year-old Pope over a reference made by a 14th-century Byzantine emperor to Muslims had inflamed adherents to the Islamic faith worldwide, the Filipino Muslim's attitude over the issue was largely tempered.