When you read the statements of condemnation from key political and Islamic leaders it reads a bit like a blog flam war.

Pope Benedict XVI has apologized and clarified his remarks, after churches in the middle east were firebombed an a senior nun in Somalia was shot and killed.

Benedict is somewhat similar to John Paul II according to Vatican watchers in that he will uphold the traditions of the Catholic church. He differs in temperment and style and also in his stance toward Islam.

Benedict seeks reciprocity, wanting Muslim countries to offer the freedom of worship that they are offered in western countries without fear of prosecution.

Vatican watchers also say the decision of the Pope to remove his top expert on Islam from the Vatican, Archbishop Fitzgerald, a world expert who headed a special department that promoted dialalogue with other religious cultures and make him a papal nuncio in Egypt is seen by many insiders as a mistake.

While he was a Cardinal, Ratzinger spoke out about Turkey joining the European union,  saying, ” it belonged to a different cultural sphere, adding that its admission would be a grave error against the tide of history.” While a Cardinal he also wrote about Islams ability to adopt to modern life. (1996)