Excerpts from the Pope’s address at the Talal Mosque
in Amman, Jordan on May 9, 2009

"Ideological Manipulation of Religion is the Real Catalyst for Tension and Division” said the Pope while in Amman.

We cannot fail to be concerned that today some people maintain that religion fails in its claim to be, by its very nature, a builder of unity and  an expression of communion between persons and with God. Some assert that religion is necessarily a cause of division in our world; and so they argue that the less attention given to religion in the public sphere the better.

The contradiction of tensions and divisions between the followers of different religious traditions cannot be denied. However, often it is the ideological manipulation of religion for political ends that is the real catalyst for tension, division and violence in society.

When the opponents of religion seek not simply to silence its voice but to replace it with their own, the need for believers to be true to their principles and beliefs is felt all the more keenly.

Muslims and Christians must today strive to be consistent in bearing witness to all that is true and good.

Of great merit are the numerous initiatives of inter-religious dialogue; they lead to greater reciprocal knowledge, they foster growing respect both for what we hold in common and for what we understand differently.

The co-operation found here in Jordan sets an encouraging and persuasive example of the positive, creative contribution which religion can and must make to civic society.

Together, Christians and Muslims are impelled to seek all that is just and right.

Our love and duty before the Almighty is expressed not only in our worship but also in our love and concern for people.