The lecture of Pope Benedict that he gave in Regensburg (Germany) sparked anger among Muslims all over the world. They cried foul when the Pope quoted a Byzantine emperor who labeled Islam as a religion born out of violence. But the Pope's intention of doing so is far from denigrating Islam, which I am sure he holds with high regard, but to show that religion should embrace logos or reason. His motive was never to exalt a religion at the expense of another, but to build bridges for healthy dialogue between cultures so varied yet united in their principles of human nature and dignity.
For those critics, Muslims and none-Muslims alike, and Catholics who went as far as doubting the credibility and intention of the Holy Father, I invite you to read his lecture in its entirety in order to grasp the fulness of his message that seeks to embrace all people of all cultures by lauding reason as among man's most important gift from God.
You can access his speech here.
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