(Los Angeles-AP) September 17, 2006 - The Muslim Public Affairs Council is welcoming Pope Benedict's statement of regret for offending Muslims when he quoted a medieval text criticizing Islam. The pope said the quotation he cited did not reflect his personal views.
The American Muslim group also has condemned attacks on churches in the West Bank and the killing of an Italian nun in Somalia, which may have been an act of reprisal for the pope's speech.
The Muslim Public Affairs Council says it "unequivocally condemns any violence in response to the pope's remarks as being antithetical to the teachings of Islam."
The group also is calling for a meeting and dialogue with American Catholic leaders to smooth relations and increase understanding.