The Vatican Criticizes Western Media for Publishing Cartoons of Prophet

February 3, 2006

Source: The Washington Times

Wire Service: UPI

http://www.washtimes.com/upi/20060203-024326-2031r.htm

On February 3, 2006 United Press International reported, "The Vatican Friday criticized western media for inflaming the Muslim world by running derogatory cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed. Cardinal Archille Silvestrini, head of the Vatican's department for Eastern Churches, told the Corriere della Sera freedom is not an absolute... 'We, too, here in Europe, should rebel against the idea of mocking religious symbols,' Silvestrini said. 'Freedom to satirize which offends other people's feelings becomes prevarication.' The Italian news agency ANSA reported other clerics support Silvestrini's position. 'Freedom of the press, including satire, must stop where religious belief begins,' said Cardinal Ersilio Tonini, former archbishop of Ravenna . 'There should be more respect for religion, whatever religion it is. What has happened over the last few days is an ugly, very ugly sign which should make us think.'"