Pope Francis: Muslim terrorism doesn't exist
Speaking in front of clergy and activists in California, Pope Francis said that none of the world's religions do not fuel any hatred.
Pope Francis came out on Sunday against claims that religions fuel terrorism, arguing that religions promote peace and the danger of radicalization exists in all religious beliefs.
"Christian terrorism does not exist, Jewish terrorism does not exist, and Muslim terrorism does not exist. They do not exist," the pontiff said in a letter read out at a meeting of grassroots political movements in California attended by Catholic clergy and activists.
"There are fundamentalist and violent individuals in all peoples and religions -- and with intolerant generalizations they become stronger because they feed on hate and xenophobia. Do not classify others in order to see who is a neighbor and who is not. You can become neighbor to whomever you meet in need, and you will do so if you have compassion in your heart," the pope said in the letter.
"No people is criminal or drug-trafficking or violent. The poor and the poorer peoples are accused of violence, yet, without equal opportunities, the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for growth and will eventually explode."
In an attempt to prevent the politicization of his words, Francis said he was not "speaking of anyone in particular," but of a "social and political process that flourishes in many parts of the world and poses a grave danger for humanity. ... The direction taken beyond this historic turning point will depend on people’s involvement and participation and, largely, on yourselves, the popular movements."
The pope also condemned the denial of global warming, urging his audience that "the ecological crisis is real. ... A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. We know what happens when we deny science and disregard the voice of nature.
"Let us not fall into denial. Time is running out. Let us act. I ask you again -- all of you, people of all backgrounds including native people, pastors, and political leaders, to defend creation."
Source: israelhayom.com
