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Jul 21, 2005 8:16 am US/Eastern
Pope: Terrorism 'Not A Clash Of Civilization'
Blames Terrorism On Fanatics
VATICAN CITY (AP) ―
Pope Benedict XVI said terrorism is not the result of a clash of civilization between the West and Islam but the action of "fanatics."
The pontiff made the remarks to journalists on Wednesday evening during his vacation in the Italian Alps.
"Terrorism is not a clash of civilization, but the action of groups of fanatics," said Benedict, responding to a question about the July 7 London bombings. He added that "dialogue between the three monotheistic religions is very important."
The pope will visit a synagogue in Cologne, address Muslims and meet with representatives of other Christian denominations during an Aug. 18-21 trip to his native Germany, according to a program released by the Vatican on Wednesday.
Days after the London bombings, Benedict expressed "profound sadness" for the "atrocious terrorist attacks" and told bombers and other terrorists to "stop in the name of God."
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