[pope] he must not backpeddle

Three hours ago. Here’s the headline and tag: Pope, in New Step to End Crisis, Pays Respect to Islam - The pontiff uses a general audience in St. Peter's Square to again reassure Muslims after his words last week provoked their fury. [Los Angeles Times]. If he quoted an emperor who maintained that Islam led to evil and quoted it without clear qualification, thereby lending it credence, then he cannot now backpeddle. It is wrong so to do. Similarly, if he now ‘pays tribute’ to Islam, then why on earth did he make the comments in the first place? He can't have it both ways. Either Islam is right ... or it is wrong. Which is it? It's like being a 'little bit' pregnant. Or is it like the curate's egg?