This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7055147.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Pope to talk to religious leaders Pope decries 'religious' violence
(about 3 hours later)
Pope Benedict XVI is to meet religious leaders from around the world who are holding a peace summit in Naples. Pope Benedict XVI has urged world religious leaders not to allow God's name to be used to justify violence.
The event aims to consider how different religions and cultures can unite against violence. "Religions must never become vehicles for hatred," the Pope told the leaders attending a peace summit in Naples.
The Catholic Church, said the Pope, would continue to seek dialogue to bridge the gap between cultures.
Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Zoroastrians are attending the event organised by the Sant'Egidio Community, a Catholic lay organisation.Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Zoroastrians are attending the event organised by the Sant'Egidio Community, a Catholic lay organisation.
The summit coincides with a pastoral visit to Naples by the Pope, which began with an open air Mass. Catholics supremacy?
During the Mass the Pope spoke out against violence in Naples, particularly the activities of the Camorra - the local mafia-style organisation that controls much of the city's economy. The three-day conference - entitled For a World Without Violence: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue - gathers scholars and religious leaders.
They include Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Israel's chief rabbi Yona Metzger and the imam of the United Arab Emirates, Ibrahim Ezzeddin.
The Pope highlighted criminal violence in Naples
"In a world wounded by conflicts, where violence is justified in God's name, it's important to repeat that religion can never become a vehicle of hatred, it can never be used in God's name to justify violence," the Pope told the gathering.
"On the contrary, religions can and must offer precious resources to build a peaceful humanity, because they speak about peace in the heart of man.
"With respect for the differences between different religions, we are all called to work for peace and an effective effort to promote reconciliation between peoples."
But he also made it clear that he will never budge on traditional Catholic teaching, that Catholicism alone is the one true faith, reports the BBC's David Willey from Naples.
Mafia suffering
Before meeting religious leaders, the Pope celebrated an open air Mass.
There was a relatively poor turnout for the Mass - the cold, wet weather discouraged many Neapolitans from attending.
Pope Benedict called for a profound spiritual renewal in this city which is plagued by unemployment and a high crime rate. He singled out the activities of the Camorra - the local mafia-style organisation that controls much of the city's economy.
"How important it is to intensify efforts for a serious strategy of prevention focusing on schools and the workplace and on helping young people spend their free time," the Pope said."How important it is to intensify efforts for a serious strategy of prevention focusing on schools and the workplace and on helping young people spend their free time," the Pope said.
"Everyone must intervene against violence.""Everyone must intervene against violence."
The Pope is expected to have lunch with the leaders of the delegations to the summit, including Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Israel's chief rabbi Yona Metzger and the imam of the United Arab Emirates, Ibrahim Ezzeddin.
The inter-faith peace meeting is due to begin on Sunday afternoon.