CATHOLIC leaders have denounced a series of satirical newspaper cartoons that have outraged Muslims and led to protests in several countries.
A statement from the Vatican said freedom of expression does not include the right to offend religious sentiments.
At the same time, the statement said, violent reactions are equally deplorable.
“Intolerance – wherever it comes from, whether real or verbal, action or reaction – always constitutes a serious threat to peace,” Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in the statement last weekend.
The cartoons, which make fun of the prophet Mohammed, were first published in a
Danish newspaper last year and have recently been reprinted in several European papers.
Islamic anger has grown, along with popular demonstrations.
In separate statements, two Vatican officials also denounced the cartoons.
Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, who is president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, told Vatican Radio that the ongoing demonstrations show how deeply Muslims have been offended by the depictions of their prophet.
The archbishop added that violent reactions to such offences are not justified.
Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, a leader for many years in the Vatican’s diplomatic service, said the cartoons had offended millions of Muslims and demonstrated a growing trend to make fun of religious symbols in general.
The cardinal said Christianity has similar sensitivities.
Msgr Aldo Giordano, who is general secretary of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, told Vatican Radio on February 3 that this type of satire was a type of vulgarity that goes against human rights.
(CNS)
