Pope�s views on protests

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   Papal support

What? Protests over cartoons

Who? Pope Benedict XVI

Why? He believes freedom of expression (speech) should not tresspass on the freedom of others.

VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI expressed support on Thursday for peaceful demonstrations in the Muslim world against the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, the Lebanese Prime Minister said after meeting with the pontiff.

Prime Minister Fuad Saniora, who is Muslim, said he and the Pope discussed the cartoons as well as Lebanon's intention to bring to justice those who instigated violent attacks against them.

"He expressed (the view) that freedom in no way should really trespass on the freedom of others," Saniora said.

Saniora said he told the Pope that Muslims should have the right to express their anger about the caricatures peacefully.

"And the pope was very supportive of the peaceful expression of opinion in the Arab world, the Muslim world because he condemns himself, as well, the efforts that are being made by others to trespass on the freedom and the convictions of other people," Saniora said.

He said the Lebanese government found violent demonstrations unacceptable and that authorities were "pursuing this matter to the fullest and those who really committed these crimes are going to be brought to justice."

The Vatican has previously said the cartoons represented an "unacceptable provocation," and that the right to freedom of expression (speech) cannot entail the right to offend the religious sentiments of believers."

Saniora also met The Vatican No.2, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.  In a statement after the meetings, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the situation in West Asia and in Lebanon was raised and that both sides underlined "the need to work to educate people in reconciliation and peace, in respect for human rights and in particular, religious rights."

Edited by pauline35