King Abdullah II of Jordan praises the Pope: religions must not be offended

Amman (Agenzia Fides) - The views expressed by Pope Francis during his recent visit to Asia on the need to reconcile freedom of expression and respect for religions and religious symbols were praised and supported by King Abdullah II of Jordan, during a meeting with the leaders of the Bedouin tribe of Beni Sakhr. According to Archbishop Maroun Lahham, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem "King Abdullah made explicit reference to the words expressed by the Pope on the fact that freedom of expression is a right, and in some cases even a duty, but at the same time it has limits, and cannot offend the religious beliefs of others. The monarch defined these considerations positive". Focusing on the issue of Islamic extremism, King Abdullah reiterated that extremists do not represent true Islam and that the reputation of Muslims must be protected and defended. The monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom explained his participation in the march in Paris with the intention of showing his solidarity towards a Country, where also "six million Muslims" live. King Abdullah, speaking with the Bedouin chiefs, also warned of a growing Islamophobia in Europe, stressing the need to protect the image of moderation and tolerance of authentic Islam and to involve all the Muslim communities in the condemnation of extremist groups and terrorists who exploit the Koran. (Agenzia Fides 22/01/2015)