Unfortunately, violent events and hate-filled rhetoric around the world provide ample opportunity for promoting religious hostility.

When there's no push back against Islamophobic rhetoric, people see that as tacit endorsement of anti-Islamic rhetoric.

As mainstream religious leaders of different faiths get together, it strengthens the voice of moderation.

If he has some concerns about Turkey entering the EU, perhaps Muslim leaders from around the world can sit with him and try and allay some of his concerns. But I think the attitude, the basic attitude of respect and tolerance is one that we hope to see from the new pope.

I wouldn't want to create the impression that I wouldn't like the government of the United States to be Islamic sometime in the future. But I'm not going to do anything violent to promote that. I'm going to do it through education.

We condemn any kind of abuse of Muslim women or women anywhere in the world.