Benedict XVI Ups the Ante

While 'warmly greeting' emissaries from Moslem lands, Benedict XVI reminded them that "religious freedom" goes BOTH ways:

Pope Benedict XVI told Muslim diplomats Monday that ''our future'' depends on dialogue between Christians and Muslims, an attempt to ease relations strained by his recent remarks about Islam and violence.

The pontiff quoted from his predecessor, John Paul II, who had close relations with the Muslim world, when he described the need for ''reciprocity in all fields,'' including religious freedom. Benedict spoke in French to a roomful of diplomats from 21 countries and the Arab League in his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo in the Alban Hills near Rome.

As observed by the Captain, the Saudis and Egyptians regularly persecute Catholics (and other Christians)--and as reported almost continually, the US Government will not protect US citizens from religious persecution in Saudi Arabia.

HT: Captain's Quarters