PARIS: Pope Benedict XVI denounced fundamentalist fanaticism as he addressed cultural figures, including Muslim leaders, at the start of a French visit yesterday, which enflamed debate in Paris over the influence religion should have on politics. In separate remarks, including in a speech to conservative French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Benedict encouraged a role for religion in shaping public policy, a stand that quickly enraged some of France’s staunch advocates of secularism. His meeting later with representatives from the world of culture coincided with the second anniversary of his Regensburg, Germany, speech that incensed many with its comments on Islam. Several Muslim leaders were among the 600 guests invited to listen to the pope.
