The Vatican's tougher line on Islam...

Let's hope he keeps up this push for reciprocity.

At first sight, there may seem to be little divergence between Pope Benedict XVI's approach to Islam and that of his predecessor.

The present Pope, a scholar who has made an extensive study of the faith, is clearly keen to promote understanding between Christians and Muslims and has many personal contacts.

At his inaugural Mass as Pope in April last year, he made a point of welcoming Muslim leaders.

In reality, however, Benedict XVI has adopted a far more cautious approach than the late John Paul II, who apologised for the Crusades and became the first Pope to visit a mosque during a visit to Syria in 2001.

Even before he became Pope, Cardinal Josef Ratzinger was a rigorous analyst of the theological differences between Christian and non-Christian faiths, and Islam in particular.

He is therefore less enthusiastic than his predecessor for interfaith summits such as that staged by John Paul II at Assisi, which critics fear can blur the distinctions between religions and diminish the status of Catholicism.

Since Benedict XVI became Pope, the Vatican has signalled a tougher line in its negotiations with Islam, stressing the need for "reciprocity".

Vatican officials argue that if Muslims want the freedom to practise their faith in the West, Christians should be free from persecution in Muslim countries.

It always seemed crazy to me that many Muslim countries, like Saudi Arabia, do not allow the construction of churches (let alone synagogues).