Yaounde, Cameroon, Mar 19, 2009 / 09:36 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict began the last full day of activities on the Cameroon leg of his visit to Africa by meeting with representatives of the Muslim community. He noted that Christianity and Islam share some of the same beliefs and called on the leaders to help foster "genuine religion" which involves reason and religious beliefs working in harmony.

The Holy Father then addressed the group discussing how religion can make an essential contribution to understanding culture and the world, and to the peaceful coexistence of peoples.

Continuing with a theme that has been prominent in discussions between Catholic and Muslims, Pope Benedict encouraged the Muslim leaders to engage in a dialogue between religion and human reason.

The Holy Father finished his brief remarks by calling on Muslims to "imbue society with the values that emerge from this perspective and elevate human culture, as we work together to build a civilization of love.

"May the enthusiastic co-operation of Muslims, Catholics and other Christians in Cameroon be a beacon to other African nations of the enormous potential of an inter-religious commitment to peace, justice and the common good!"