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Pope Prayed in Mosque during Trip to Turkey, Says Islam should Not Be Equated with Violence

  • Russ Jones Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Dec 01, 2014

On Sunday Pope Francis said it is wrong to equate Islam with violence. The Pontus also called on Muslim leaders to condemn terrorism, which exists in various parts of the world.

"I told the president [Tayyip Erdogan] that it would be beautiful if all Islamic leaders, whether they are political, religious or academic leaders, would speak out clearly and condemn this because this would help the majority of Muslim people," he said.

According to Christian Today, Francis also told reporters on his plane returning from Turkey that Islam and violence weren’t one in the same.

"You just can't say that, just as you can't say that all Christians are fundamentalists. We have our share of them [fundamentalists]. All religions have these little groups," he said.

On Saturday Francis visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque where prayed he silently prayed alongside Grand Mufti Rahmi Yaran. 

"We must show respect for each others beliefs. God willing the pope's visit will help in this respect," said Halil Ibrahim Cil, a hospital worker from Istanbul.

"We want to practice our religion in peace. We want people to understand Islam. We don't want war."

In 2006 conservatives criticized Pope Benedict when he said that a majority of Muslims embrace violence. 

He later apologized for his comments.

Publication date: December 1, 2014