Italian cardinal, political leader react differently to French terror attack

January 09, 2015

The president of the Italian bishops’ conference has challenged responsible Muslim officials to condemn political violence, while a conservative political leader has suggested that the Vatican should break off dialogue with Islam, in the wake of the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo offices in Paris.

"The moderate Islamic community-- the real one-- must distance itself clearly from this act," Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco said. He added that Europeans generally should “overcome the risk of reacting violently” to the latest assault.

Mattwo Salvini, the head of the Northern League, took a very different approach, saying that Pope Francis is “doing a disservice” to the Church by attempting to establish a productive dialogue with Islam. “Islam is a problem,” Salvini said. “They are killing and cutting throats in the name of Allah.” While the Pope should promote peace, he said, he should also “be concerned about those who are slaughtering you all over the world.”

 

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Further information:

• Islam must 'distance itself' from attack (ANSA)
• 'Pope shouldn't dialogue with Islam' says Salvini (ANSA)