Pope says terrorist acts are work of small groups of fanatics

Published: 2005-07-21

LES COMBES, Italy (CNS) -- Recent terrorist attacks in London, Iraq and Turkey are not signs of a "clash of civilizations," but are the work "only of small groups of fanatics," said Pope Benedict XVI. People must ask God to strengthen the longing for peace that exists among most people in the world, the pope told reporters gathered July 20 near the chalet where he was vacationing. Returning from a two-hour excursion into the Alps, the pope had his driver stop where a group of about 100 townspeople, reporters and a southern Italian parish youth group were waiting to see him pass by. The pope got out of the car and greeted members of the crowd one by one, kissing babies and giving his blessing.

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