POPE Benedict XVI has urged Middle Eastern Christians and Muslims to forge a harmonious, pluralistic society in which the dignity of each person is respected and the right to worship in peace is guaranteed.
Speaking to political and religious leaders on the second day of a three-day trip to Lebanon, he stressed that people must repudiate vengeance, acknowledge their own faults and offer forgiveness to each other.
"Religious freedom is a fundamental right ... Preaching and living freely one's own religion without endangering own's life and freedom, should be possible to everyone," the Pope said in a speech at the presidential palace.
"A commitment to peace is possible only in a unified society ... If we want peace, let us defend life. This approach leads us to reject not only war and terrorism, but every assault on innocent human life, on men and women as creatures willed by God."


Read more: [link to www.news.com.au]