POPE Benedict XVI has started off his visit to the Middle East on the right note calling for peace in the region. Expressing his “deep respect” for Islam, the Pope reached out to build better relations with the Muslim world. His stress on interfaith dialogue to achieve peace makes clear the impact that King Abdullah's initiative has had on world's religious communities. Inter-faith dialogue is without doubt one of the greatest achievements our King has accomplished in proving to the world the important role that religion can play in ending conflicts and fostering peace. Though the Pope steered clear from journalists' political questions by stating that “we are not a political power but a spiritual force”, there is still quite a bit the Pope can do to assist the Middle East peace process. He can emphasize that the “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects a global moral consensus. He arrives in the Middle East at a moment of growing despair, after the new Israeli government seemed to cast doubt on its commitment to Palestinian statehood. Benedict can use his pulpit to stress that respecting the natural right of Palestinians to sovereignty is not about statecraft but about justice. He can call for an end to the sorrowful plight of common Palestinians by asking Israel to allow freer movement of the necessary aid required for the survival of the impoverished. Benedict can also influence people of all religious communities to reject extremism by promoting interfaith dialogue and the values of tolerance and understanding between different religions. His reaching out to the Muslim world with positive statements is definitely a step in that direction. The Pope is followed and respected by many; his sincere efforts will surely have an impact. __
