Vatican cardinal: Islamic fundamentalism endangers Muslims and Christians alike

Reflecting upon Pope Benedict’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 “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.”