The Vatican was wise in taking steps to calm frayed nerves and assuage sensibilities over the Papal Lecture quotes. Three sorry's and clarifications in a row, with the Holy Father's personal regrets over the controversy, is not only unprecedented but profoundly significant.

The voices for peace rightly raised by some leaders in the moslem world are welcomed. The protests and attacks should stop. Let's have a cease-fire now. No further escalations, please.

On both sides of the divide (we hope there be no divide, for the sake of our common good), let there be continued sensitivity and unbroken dialogue. And dialogue there must be.

Christianity and Islam must work, not only together but, with other religions and faith bodies to make our world a better, safer and more contemplative place.

Peaceful cohabitation is both imperative and inevitable. It is profitable. Pray, it is the basis of our common humanity, and must be guarded and guided sensitively, jealously and creatively. That is why we're, all of us, together in the United Nations.

May we have the courage to make, build and keep the precious peace our lives and our world so direly and promptly need.

Amen.