Gross overreaction to a slip by the Pope

These days, the world walks on eggs around Muslim extremists.

Pope Benedict XVI is the latest to join that tippy–toe parade.

His quoting of a medieval text describing changes brought about by the Prophet Muhammad as "evil and inhuman," particularly "his command to spread by the sword the faith," was certainly unfortunate.

His limited apology has left many Muslims unsatisfied.

But the furious response to his speech at the University of Regensburg, the same school where the pope began his career, is excessive and wrong.

Catholic churches have been attacked and, in some cases, destroyed.

The murder of a 65–year–old nun in Somalia, if it was in retribution for the pope’s remarks, is a 21st century horror sparked by a 14th century Byzantine emperor's accusations.

CNN reports that the pope sent a telegram to the order of the Italian nun killed in Somalia, expressing his hope that her sacrifice would help build "real fraternity among people with reciprocal respect of everyone's religious convictions."

Most Muslim clerics urge caution and deplore the violence that has occurred since the pope's speech.

The pope is also receiving lectures that he should not have been so insensitive in these perilous times.

He has said he is "deeply sorry" for the outrage his remarks sparked.

Certainly, his choice of quotations wasn't likely to build any bridges between the two faiths, but responsibility for the violent reactions belongs solely to the perpetrators.

Extremists of any religion look for any excuse to go on a rant — or worse — against their hated enemies.

The continued existence of Israel on the planet Earth is motivation enough for some.

With fundamental extremism taking lives in Iraq, Afghanistan, parts of Africa and elsewhere, the pope's self–admittedly ill–timed remarks may have provided new excuses for the extremists, but they fell well short of any actual provocation.

Throughout history, various religious extremists have tortured and executed heretics in the name of God.

Religious intolerance has a long and ugly history.

The pope has tried to promote tolerance.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the pope's approach to Islam and interfaith dialogue since his election has been to condemn the extremist fundamentalism that has hijacked Islam. He agrees with the modern precept that religion cannot be used to justify violence.

That he fumbled this one time is certainly unfortunate.

But moderate, mainstream Muslims recognize that it is no more than that.

Their reactions are measured.

Most Muslim clerics and faithful are as appalled as the rest of the world is at the violence committed in the name of their religion.

Adherents of any faith need to remember that true dialogue requires not just speaking to each other, but listening to what the other side has to say.

Still, any honest appraisal of this series of events must conclude the violent reactions are far more outrageous than the remarks that sparked them.

(Associated Press)