Reciprocity in Religion

More on the pope. Did he realize the import of his language? Perhaps he had hopes that his measured words would be received in a measured way, but I imagine he intended all along to engage the issue of the relationship between Islam and other religions, as only a major religious figure could. Daniel Johnson, New York Sun, RCP:

He is, of course, the first pope to be elected since September 11, and he sees the conflict between Islam and the West as the most serious issue of our time. Though his public statements about Islam are few, the line is a firm one. The Benedict watchword is "reciprocity" — Muslims must accord other believers the same religious freedoms that they themselves enjoy in liberal democracies.

Previous posts: Faith is born of the soul, NOT a Parody, Demonizing the Pope