Speaking to reporters, Benedict XVI talks of the flotilla attacked by Israel and returns to say that violence is not a solution: instead "patience and courage" is required to start over. The next Synod for the Middle East is occasion to nurture dialogue between Christians and even Muslims.

Nicosia (AsiaNews) - The killing of Mgr. Luigi Padovese was not "a religious or political assassination" and "can not be attributed to Turkey and or the Turkish people, and should not obscure dialogue”.  These the sentiments expressed by Benedict XVI in a conversation with reporters aboard the plane that took him to Cyprus, on his 16th international journey.

The Pope also spoke of the Israeli attack on the Gaza flotilla, arguing that one should never lose hope in peace. In these episodes, he said, "there is always the danger that we will lose patience, say enough is enough and that no longer wish to seek peace." Instead, "every day we must imitate God in his patience, after all cases of violence, we must not lose patience and have the courage to start over." And this is the task of the Holy See: "create the disposition of heart to begin again, in the certainty that we can move forward, that violence is not the solution”.

Finally, the next Synod for the Middle East, which he desires may be an opportunity for Christians to grow in their " common ability to dialogue” even “with their Muslim brothers." "All attempts for a more fruitful and fraternal coexistence are very important."  

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