Pope Benedict about the Islamic concept of Holy War continues to grow. Today British Muslims joined in, fiercely criticising his remarks.
The pontiff was accused of falling into "the trap of bigots and racists" with the comments he made on a visit to Germany.
• Muslims must do more to integrate, says Archbishop
Last night Vatican officials were scrambling to defend the comments, saying the Pope had never intended to offend Muslims.
During a speech, he quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor who said the prophet Mohammed had brought "things only evil and inhuman".
But Britain's Ramadhan Foundation, a youth organisation based in Rochdale, reacted angrily to the comments, comparing the Pope unfavourably to his predecessor John Paul II.
In a statement it said: "If the Pope wanted to attack Islam and Prophet Muhammad teachings he could have been brave enough to say it personally without quoting a 14th century Byzantine Christian emperor.
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It's time for a pretty purple mushroom cloud in the desert.
