Vatican approves Islam class in schools

VATICAN CITY, March 10 (UPI) -- The Vatican says Muslim children in Italian schools should be allowed to take lessons in Islam.

Cardinal Raffaele Renato Martino gave his support for an "Islam hour" in the curriculum sought by an Italian Muslim association, reports ANSA news agency.

"If in a school there are 100 Muslim children, I don't see why their religion should not be taught. This is simply respect for human beings," said the Italian prelate, who heads the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

"If there are people of another religion in Italian society, we must respect their religious and cultural identity," he said.

The request was made by the Union of Italian Islamic Communities at a meeting of Italy's newly established Islamic Council, set up as a bridge between the Italian state and the growing Muslim population, the report said.