Pope denounces terrorist ideas that spur violence

Pope Benedict XVI is denouncing the "terroristic ideologies" that spur violence in the God's name.

Benedict said in Monday as he opened a meeting of the bishops from around the Middle East that such ideologies were a "false divinity" that must be "unmasked."

Benedict made the off-the-cuff remarks at the opening working session of the meeting, or synod, which runs through Oct. 24. The meeting has drawn 185 participants, including nine patriarchs of the region's ancient Christian churches. A rabbi and two Muslim clerics will address the meeting.

Benedict summoned the bishops to the Rome amid a major flight of the Christians from their traditional homes in the Mideast. An influx of the Catholic immigrants from the Africa and Asia has helped offset their numbers.