Pope expresses shame for Christian violence in history

ASSISI, Italy, (Reuters) – Pope Benedict, leading a  global inter-religious meeting,  acknowledged yesterday “with  great shame” that Christianity had used force in its long  history as he joined other religious leaders in condemning  violence and terrorism in God’s name.

Pope Benedict

Benedict spoke as he hosted some 300 religious leaders from  around the world – including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus,  Zoroastrians, Taoists, Shintoists and Buddhists – in an  inter-faith prayer gathering for peace in the city of St  Francis, a universally recognised symbol of peace.

The day-long event was called to commemorate the 25th  anniversary of an historic initiative in favour of peace hosted  here by the late Pope John Paul in 1986.      Each leader, most wearing traditional religious garb,  solemnly pledged to promote dialogue and understanding among  their own communities, with other religions, and to work  incessantly against violence.

“Violence never again! War never again! Terrorism never  again! In the name of God, may every religion bring upon Earth  justice and peace, forgiveness and life, love,” the pope said in  his public commitment at the end of the day.

In his major address at the start of the gathering the pope  asked forgiveness for his own church’s use of violence in the  past.