.bmp)
.bmp)
Some observers of Islam say the first-ever meeting between a Catholic pontiff and a reigning Saudi monarch will unlikely bring about an end to restrictions on Christian worship in that Islamic nation.The half-hour meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and King Abdullah took place Tuesday at the Vatican at the request of the Saudi leader. The Catholic pontiff and other Vatican officials have often complained that Christians are unable to worship openly in Saudi Arabia and are barred from opening churches in the desert kingdom. The Vatican had reportedly hoped the meeting would produce a frank dialogue between the two men over this issue. Robert Spencer, director of Jihad Watch-a project of the David Horowitz Freedom Center-says the religious restrictions are based on "core elements" of the Islamic religion."Mohammad, the prophet of Islam, said that there should be only one religion on the Arabian Peninsula," Spencer explains. "And it's on that basis that the Saudis have forbidden all religious expression except the Islamic and that's not likely to change, no matter what the Pope asks for," he says.Jan Markell, founder and director of Olive Tree Ministries, thinks things are going to get worse, not better for Christians in Saudi Arabia. "The Pope's efforts here are absolutely futile," Markell asserts, "but it made for a good photo op. It makes for good public relations. It certainly looks like both sides are making an effort, but I guarantee you one side isn't making an effort," she states.Spencer agrees with Markell that Abdullah probably requested the meeting with the Pope in order to put a good face on things and show that he is interested in dialogue with the other side.As in the days of Noah...
