Vatican and Muslim world

The good rapport which Pope John Paul II has created with the Muslim world is now at risk. The more "Christian" countries send troops into Afghanistan, the louder the Muslim cry of holy war will become.

Some of the pontiff's more moderate religious counterparts in the Islamic world have begun to condemn the American raids. Under the present climate John Paul's unprecedented visit last May to the mosque in Damascus would be impossible.

Now the pope can only focus on the three themes dear to him: Humanitarian aid to the Afghan population, an end to the conflict with the introduction of a peace-keeping force and renewed pressure for peace in the Middle East.

-- La Repubblica, Rome