LONDON:

Artist Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, has slammed Pope Benedict XV1 for his recent comments on Islam. According to contactm-usic.com, the Pope caused a huge controversy when he quoted from a medieval text, which was critical of Prophet Mohammed’s teachings. Stevens, who converted to Islam and chan-ged his name to Yusuf Islam, says: “At one point I used to believe the Pope was infallible.” He adds: “The Po-pe should have looked elsewhere if he wanted to quote but we respect (him) and his position — I do believe he has retracted in a way that statement and that’s all to the good.” — HNS