Pope Arrives in Lebanon as "a Pilgrim of Peace;" Rips Fundamentalism as "a Falsification of Rel."

Pope Benedict XVI appealed for peace and reconciliation among religions today (September 14, 2012), as violence over an anti-Islam movie spilled over into Lebanon within hours of his arrival in the tumultuous region, according to the Associated Press website.

The pope flew into Lebanon for a three-day visit despite the recent unrest  -- including civil war in neighboring Syria, a mob attack that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans in Libya, and a string of violent protests across the Middle East -- stemming from the film, produced in the United States, which insults Islam.

"I have come to Lebanon as a pilgrim of peace," the 85-year-old pope said upon arriving in Beirut, speaking under a canopy at the airport on a sultry afternoon. "As a friend of God and as a friend of men."

The pope also denounced religious fundamentalism in his speech at the airport, calling it "a falsification of religion." He was welcomed by top leaders, including the Lebanese president, prime minister, and parliament speaker, as well as Christian and Muslim religious leaders.