Pope sorry at Muslim reaction, urges dialogue

VATICAN CITY, Sep 17: Pope Benedict said today he was ''deeply sorry'' at the anger caused by his remarks on Islam and said a quote he used from a medieval text about holy wars did not reflect his personal thoughts.

''...I am deeply sorry for the reactions in some countries to a few passages of my address at the University of Regensburg, which were considered offensive to the sensibility of Muslims,'' he told pilgrims at his Castelgandolfo summer residence.

''These in fact were a quotation from a medieval text, which do not in any way express my personal thought. I hope this serves to appease hearts and to clarify the true meaning of my address, which in its totality was and is an invitation to frank and sincere dialogue, with mutual respect,'' he said.

REUTERS