Christians and Muslims must reject attempts to use religion to incite violence, Pope John Paul II told Libya's envoy to the Vatican on Tuesday.
John Paul said any attempt to "distort religion is an illegitimate use of sacred traditions," a theme he often stresses. The pope addressed Libya's new chief of mission, Abdulhafed Gaddur, who presented his credentials and offered greetings from Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi.
John Paul spoke of the need to pursue dialogue among nations.
"I am thinking of the situation in the Middle East, which is very close to my heart, of terrorism, which can indiscriminately strike anywhere, making cities, peoples and even the entire humanity insecure," John Paul said.