AsiaNews.it, Italy
Nov 18 2004

No to religion used as an instrument of death, the Pope says

John Paul II meets Muslim, Orthodox and Jewish leaders from
Azerbaijan. Tolerance is possible; it is a sign of cultural progress.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – No one can `present or use religions as an
instrument of intolerance, aggression, violence and death’. The ways
of religion must instead be those `of love and justice for all. They
must teach as they do in Azerbaijan, that tolerance is possible; that
it is a sign of cultural progress.’

Speaking today to Muslim, Orthodox and Jewish leaders from Azerbaijan
John Paul II reiterated the call he made three years ago in Assisi to
the leaders of the world’s religions.

The Pontiff spoke about Nagorno-Karabach, a region still disputed
between Armenia and Azerbaijan itself, a land he `hopes will return
to full peace’. He told his guests that `a solution to this and
similar disputes requires a common effort and good will. People must
be open and understanding to one another in a spirit of true
reconciliation’.

The Pope told the delegation, which included Russian Orthodox Bishop
Aleksandr of Baku, that he remembered the `warmth’ and `friendliness’
with which he was welcomed in the country in 2002. He went on to
recall the `pride’ of the late Azeri President Heydar Aliev in
Azerbaijan’s religious tolerance, in what he called `the country’s
bedrock’.

`May your visit in the Vatican,’ the Pope added, `be a symbol for the
world. May it show that tolerance is possible; may it be a sign of
cultural progress; may it set humanity on bases for a wider and more
inclusive social and cultural development.’

`No one has the right,’ the Pope cautioned, `to present or use
religions as an instrument of intolerance, aggression, violence and
death. On the contrary, friendship and mutual esteem, especially if
it is supported by political leaders, are a source from which peace
and true progress can spring’.

`Together, Muslims, Jews and Christians can in the name of God and
civilisation appeal to humanity to stop violence and murder so that
everyone is allowed to follow the ways of love and justice. May God
help us follow these ways with perseverance and patience’.

There are only 300 Catholics in predominantly Muslim Azerbaijan. (FP)