Jews and Muslims have mostly postive words for the Pope.

"Finally a pope who, before a Muslim delegation, condemns Islamic-rooted terrorism without exception," Italy’s leading Islamic commentator, Magdi Allam, wrote in the Corriere della Sera daily, saying Benedict’s speech amounted to a "new season" in Christian-Muslim relations.

The head of Germany’s Muslim Community, Nadeem Elyas, who met with Benedict, said the discussions were "constructive." He welcomed Benedict’s comments that terrorism was a common problem of all religions, and not specifically Islam.

Hamza Mansour, secretary-general of the Islamic Action Front, Jordan’s largest Muslim opposition group, said it was "unfortunate" the pope singled out Muslims "as if terrorism is of Islamic origin."