Muslim Activist Sues Pope & Cardinal Over Comments on Superiority of Christianity

February 28, 2004

Source: The Detroit News

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On February 28, 2004 The Detroit News reported, "A Muslim activist sued the pope, a top cardinal and other church officials Saturday, claiming their comments about the superiority of Christianity violated the Italian constitution. Activist Adel Smith said he was seeking a court condemnation of the comments but no monetary or other punitive damages. Smith, who is president of the Muslim Union of Italy, has previously made headlines here for his court battle to have a crucifix taken down from his son's classroom. Several other Islamic organizations distanced themselves from that effort. In his latest legal effort, Smith said Pope John Paul II and other church officials have violated the Italian constitution which proclaims that all religions are equal under the law. Italy is officially secular, but largely Roman Catholic."