The
Moro Islamic Liberation Front has joined the world in paying homage
to Pope John Paul II, describing him as a tireless campaigner of world
peace and champion of religious reconciliation. Mohagher Iqbal, speaking
for the MILF Central Committee, described the passing away of the
Pope as a great loss to the world, and he extended the Front's condolences
to the Roman Catholic Church.
"He is a very important figure who dedicated his life to peace and
justice for all," he added. Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian
in 455 years, was not only an untiring advocate of Christian unity and
inter-religious dialogue. He was the first to preach in a Protestant
church and a Jewish synagogue and to visit a mosque. Pope John Paul II
died in his bed at 9:37 pm [3:37 am, Sunday, Philippine time] in
Vatican City, the seat of the Papacy.
The exact cause of his death was not given but the Pope's health had
deteriorated steadily over the onset of Parkinson's disease and
arthritis. Earlier this year, his health deteriorated further and most
of the time he was in hospital.
The Pope bitterly criticized the American invasion of Iraq, calling it
"immoral" in the standpoint of religion, as well as the continuing
Israeli occupation of Palestine.
He also apologized to world Jewry for the crimes committed against
them by Christendom in the name of religion.
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, reminded the Muslims that they will
find their most fortunate friends to those who say, "we are
Christians". The Muslims are also enjoined not to argue on religion
with the Christians, because the Quran has this clear stipulation:
"There is no compulsion in religion. Unto you (Christians) your
religion and unto me (Muslims) my religion (Islam)"
