Pope Benedict is regarded with deep suspicion within the world of Islam, writes Patsy McGarry.
There is unanimity on probably just one matter following Pope Benedict's quoting of Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus last Tuesday. That is regret that he did not explicitly distance himself from the content of that quotation during his address.
By not doing so he left himself open to an interpretation that he endorsed its sentiments.
It is true that the Pope said the emperor's statement had been made with "startling brusqueness" and that he continued "the emperor, after having expressed himself so forcefully, goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable".
As Pope he should have gone further than just criticising the emperor's style of expression. But it would appear he lapsed into professorial mode; that of teacher as opposed to world leader. It may be an illustration of his inexperience.
It is fair to say Pope John Paul would not have left himself open to such a blunder.
It is doubtful, had the address been seen in advance by senior Vatican diplomats, whether Manuel II Paleologus would have been adverted to at all. But the Vatican Curia is in transition and, it would appear the Pope may have become a victim of the confusion that accompanies the early phases of change anywhere.
All that said, it is surprising he did not himself recognise that in quoting Manuel II Paleologus's sentiments at all, he was treading on thin ice. It is also clear that some Muslims identify this Pope with the thinking of President Bush in his attitudes to Islam. This was made explicit in Iran on Saturday where hardline Muslim cleric Ahmad Khatami said the Pope and President Bush were "united in order to repeat the Crusades". That may be yet another statement of "startling brusqueness", but it is clear this Pope is regarded with deep suspicion within the world of Islam and that is likely to remain a feature of his papacy.