Vatican rejects bin Laden's new 'crusade' charges
The Vatican rejected on Thursday fresh accusations from al-Qaeda leader Osama bin-Laden that the publication of cartoons mocking Islam's Prophet Mohammad was part of a "new crusade" involving Pope Benedict.
"These accusations are totally unfounded," said Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi. "But they are not surprising. It is natural to think that he (bin-Laden) would lump the Vatican and the pope together with all his perceived enemies." (Reuters)
