Pope Benedict (left) shakes hands with ambassadors of Islamic nations and Italian Islamic leaders in a room at his summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome, yesterday. Pope Benedict assured Muslims that he respected them and was committed to dialogue, in an unprecedented encounter to defuse anger at his use of quotes saying their faith was spread by the sword. - REUTERS

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP):

Pope Benedict XVI told Muslim diplomats yesterday that "our future" depends on good relations between Christians and Muslims and urged both sides to guard against intolerance and violence as he sought to put to rest anger over his recent remarks about Islam.

The pontiff also quoted from his predecessor, John Paul II, who had close relations with the Muslim world, calling for "reciprocity in all fields," including religious freedom. Benedict spoke in French to a roomful of diplomats from 21 countries and the Arab League in his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome. Leaders of Italy's small Muslim community were also invited.

After his speech, Benedict greeted all the envoys one by one. He clasped their hands warmly and chatted for a few moments with each.

"The circumstances which have given rise to our gathering are well known," Benedict said, referring to his remarks on Islam in a September 12 speech at a German University. He did not dwell on the contested remarks, a passage about Islam and violence, which set off protests around the Muslim world.

His five-minute speech yesterday briefly touched on religion and violence. Benedict said that Christians and Muslims "must learn to work together ... to guard against all forms of intolerance and to oppose all manifestations of violence."