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Speaking in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things.

In his speech at Regensburg University, the German-born Pope explored the historical and philosophical differences between Islam and Christianity. The immediate fall out of the statement was a kind of anger that enveloped the entire Muslim community across the globe.

Amid wide-spread condemnation, Muslims demanded nothing short of an apology from the Pope himself. A statement from the Vatican failed to quell criticism of the Pope. "It is clear that the Holy Father's intention is to cultivate a position of respect and dialogue towards other religions and cultures, and that clearly includes Islam," said chief Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi, adding the Pope had not intended to offend Muslims.

The head of the Muslim Brotherhood said the Pope's remarks "aroused the anger of the whole Islamic world". The Pakistan's parliament passed a resolution criticising the Pope for making "derogatory" comments.

"The derogatory remarks of the Pope about the philosophy of jihad and Prophet Mohammed have injured sentiments across the Muslim world and pose the danger of spreading acrimony among the religions," the resolution said. Though the Pope was reported to have been upset at the way in which his remarks had been interpreted, the die had been cast.

In Rome, the Pontiff was faced with a barrage of criticism. The PoK was also not untouched: two separatist leaders were put under house arrest. The 57-nation Organisation of the Islamic Conference also said it regretted the Pope's remarks.

Even after various efforts by the Vatican to suppress Muslim anger, the issue had the strength to tear apart religious harmony across Europe and it could have well engaged the world in another 'holy-war'.

In UP, Muslim clerics, while criticising the Pope, were heard saying "There are three categories of Jehad in Islam. The first is doing noble things, the second is writing good things while the third is picking up the sword for a just cause." The message was loud and clear. Before criticising: 'Look inwards'.