The problem, of course, doesn't lie in the conversion itself. People after all should be free to choose their faith and way of life without coercion. The Quran itself declares that "let there be no compulsion in religion."

But the problem lies in the vindictive atmosphere surrounding the conversion ceremony, including the anti-Islamic allusions and insinuations.

jayil, london, uk

Please is that the "BEST" they could come up with... what is new about one person converting to christianity....who is again?

Adam Abdullah, Dundee, Scotlad United Kingdom

"He has been under police protection for five years after receiving death threats over his criticism of suicide-bombings.'"

The thing speaks for itself. It's a little like the report on Australia's national broadcaster following the Pope's Ragensburg speach that:

"Middle Eastern leaders and analysts have warned of a potentially violent backlash in the region to the Pope’s remarks implicitly linking Islam to violence. "

PETER HARKIN, Sydney, Australia

In Christianity, there is no such thing as a good Chrsitan or a bad one. You either are or you are not. Being a Christian means to be identified with Jesus Christ. All the others Roman Catholic included are just mere religion. Your Catholic tradition, with its rules and regulations cannot save you. The only way to salvation is accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour. Most Christian (those not born again) do not know that. They think that they can add Jesus' finished work on the Cross with their own good works. By that it does not mean that you can live an immoral godless lifestyle. God's love is offered to all when Christ died and although this gift is offered freely, it was paid at a very high price. Someone had to suffer and die. So every time a Christian deliberately sins, he/she is crucifying Jesus all over again. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Muslims need to be loved and shared with the Good news of the Risen Lord and be told who the true God is. AMEN

Virginia, Brisbane, Australia

To 'Mario Ferretti of L'Aquila', christianity did start as a religion of love approximately 300 years before the date you suggested. It was only in the fourth century when catholicism became the official state religion that it started becoming an intolerant force. Just another classic case of poor Italian government and beauracracy.
It also underlies the importance of separation of church and state. Islamic countries have not done this yet, which is possibly the reason there is so many acts of violence committed by muslim extremists.

David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.

Why Magdi Allam, having escaped the theological dogma of undoubtedly the World's most intolerant religion, only to
re-shackle himself to an organisation that was every bit as barbaric and hypercritical within recent history , is quite beyond my intelligene.
Love and honesty and kindness is all the Almighty would expect, whatever that manifestation may ultimately be.

Robbie Rohan, Great Chart, Kent, UK

When people are condemned to death for apostasy then it says a lot about the insecurities and fragility of those followers of Islam. Also people should be able to speak out openly about their concerns without fear of retribution and causing offence.

Frank Williams, Derby, England

Magdi, welcome to the religion of love. Elisa, Napoli, Italy

Without checks by a secular and enlightened state, Christianity started off its career as a religion of love in 356 AD, by making pagan services punishable by death. And arguably completed it in April 1849, with the 20 days of artillery shelling that convinced the people of Rome to give up their liberal Republic and take back Pious IX as their Pope-King.

Theologically, violent intolerance of non-Christians (with the very limited exception of Jews) was preached by authorities like St Augustine (who also actively practiced it as a Bishop) and St Thomas of Aquino. No modern Christian authority has yet denounced such theories or their past enforcement. Both in theory and in practice, there seems thus to be little to chose on this point between Christianity and Islam, if both are left to their own devices.

Mario Ferretti, L'Aquila, Italy

As Muhammed himself said (if you believe the Koran - and quite a few people do), "If a Muslim discards his religion, kill him". Fairly unambiguous.

Ellen Morris, Leeds,

People should have the right to convert to other religions because it is a personal matter between them and God. Allison Knight can praise the Ahmadiyya Sect and Islam but will she defend the right of former Muslims to convert to other religions especially when they face death threats? There are also some Muslims who regard the Ahmadiyya Sect as a heretical sect. How does she know that the Ahmadiyya sect is the true sect of Islam?
Actually, how do any Muslim know they are following the true sect of Islam when there are so many of them claiming to be the true one?
So, good luck to Mr Allam. Since Mr Allam was baptised in St Peter's, the Italian Muslim groups should just grow up and accept that it was the will of God. Otherwise, please point out the peace in Islam.

Carolyn, Surbiton,

why cant two play the game on an equal footing. Muslims are free to make high and low profile conversions to Islam all over the world ....especially in the middle east countries!! but why does the same rule not allowed to christianity!!! Is it polictally incorrect to states this anomaly & hypocrisy in Islam....!!! I believe muslims are getting their way due to their political oil wealth clout!! Its time christianity too stands for what it believes...christ did preach love but he did also whip the wicked merchants at the synogogue...true compromise is between equals and not with someone who wants to be the perennial bully....

Albert D'souza, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Well, this pope has done it!! After all his talk against Islam and now the public baptism of an Islamic convert is a lot more then the extremeists can take. If people had read Nostradamus the way I have, this pope is doing all the wrong things. According to Nostradamus, there are only two popes left to rule the Roman Catholic Church after the present pope. Wonder how long Pope Benedict has left. BUT, Nostradamus said that man COULD change the outcome by doing things differently. All we can hope for is that man changes so that the outcome will be different.

Claire, Florence, SC, USA

Timur Many have died but none in modern times in the name of Christianity. The Christianity of the New Testament is about love.

Adam S, St Andrews, UK

Being a bit nice but dim, and intelectually Dyslexic, I first read the headline as..."The Pope converts to Islam!. Well that would be a turn up for the books!

G Clarke, Chelmsford , Essex England UK

I honestly believe that the bible was a story book, created at a time long before civilisation had been accepted and was created as a means of getting a mass of people to conform to what would become socially acceptable behaviours. Examples are set out of what could happen to you should you decide not to follow.

Think about it, these were the first laws, based on conscience. This book of fables was taken on and believed whole heartedly, bringing us to today.

Religious people do themselves no favours by arguing a case with literally no real form of reliable or unbiased evidence; for a number of pivotal claims.

I would truely love to believe that the good went to a glorious paradise, but the trouble is, who now has a grip on what is 'good'?

Suicide bomber or devote pacifist?

Chris, Hampshire,

I find it refreshing that the Holy Father is not afraid to welcome into our fold people from all walks of life. There is absolutely no reason why Mr. Allam shouldn't have received the Sacrament of Baptism at the Most Solemn Easter Vigil. It is about time that someone show us that we need not fear the radical fringes of the Islamic faith. I commend Pope Benedict XVI for his work defending our faith without violence or threats. As Christians we have learned what violence gets you....nothing. I pray that those in the Islamic Faith who seek violence will learn that it does not solve anything.

Allen Sharpe, Washington, DC, United States

Christian tenents demand baptism of new believers. The man is a new believer. He needed to be baptized. To put politics above religion is not part of Christianity; in fact, Christianity comes first, politics later.

For example, if Peter and the other 10 apostles had followed the political expediency of the times, we would not have Christianity today.

J. Cape, Monroe,

I don't agree with much the Pope says or does but I'm with him one hundred per cent on this one. But no doubt it just means we'll see a lot of silly men and boys in the Muslim countries running around again shouting "death to the infidel" and burning more flags. Don't those guys have anything better to do?

After the Danish cartoons farce, the clever entrepreneur who is manufacturing these "flags to burn" must be raking in a huge profit somewhere. I just hope they are eco-friendly flags and don't raise the burner's carbon footprint.

Mikko, Edinburgh, Scotland

This quote says it all:
"But there are also thousands of muslims who have converted to Christianity but are forced to hide out of fear of being killed by islamist terrorists.”
I believe it is the Western world's fault for tolerating the muslim extremist culture, good example being the prophet's caricatures.
When muslims commit terrible acts (e.g. 9/11) the whole muslim world, clandestinely relishes to the news, but they subsequently don't have the guts to face the consequences. I wonder why all (Christian) Churches are banned in Saudi Arabia? Does the same happen in London when mosques mushroom out of the blue?

Nick, York, UK

Muslims who want to and have converted to other religions all over the Islamic world are constantly under death threats. Yet, Muslims have been aggressively converting non muslims since ancient times. One has only to look at the conversions that were forced upon millions of Hindus in the Indian sub continent under the Moughal rule for 200 years. Today, it still continues. In the UK it is common for an Imam to visit local jails and pursue conversions. The state allows it, as a secular free country. Can conversions out of Islam even be contemplated in the Islamic world? Most Muslims have no role model of anyone converting out of Islam, The Pope's public action is bold and timely. This high profile public conversion of Mr. Allam will be example setting. Let the Muslim communities the world over understand that religious conversion is a matter of personal choice. A choice that Islam does not allow.

Mocho, London, U.K.

"police protection for five years after receiving death threats over his criticism of suicide-bombings."

It appears that Magdi Allam is accurate in his condemnation.

If a Christian converts to Islam, that is a matter for the individual and I am not aware of anyone who has converted being placed under protection following death threats.

What the Pope is doing may be provocative but then cutting someone’s head off and then showing the act on the internet takes some beating.

Graham Miller, Valencia, Spain

I hope people do realize that he'll not be able to go back, or be forced back to his country of origin due to heath risks. Lucky guy?

jayil, london, uk

Thank you to The Times for this news: why was it not given on BBC newscasts?
It really is time that we lost the fear or chill factor in covering Islam. If it wants to exist in the West, it must accept full freedom of speech, opinion, and news.
The Koran, 'the thoughts of Mohammed', does contain violent stuff, and this man being baptised merely voices this view.
Please note: there is no UN recognised freedom to change one's religion, Islamic states have consistently blocked this human right. Recently 10 men 'converted' to Coptic Christianity, the case went to court, they were allowed to do so because their family tradition was Copt in the past, otherwise their conversion would have been 'banned' by law. Same in Indonesia: a woman's RCsm was not acknowledged on her identity papers. The Pope is probably trying to get this repression discussed - again, good work Times!

Tim, Witney, UK

Many Christians are being oppressed in the moslim world. I think a demonstation of solidairity with our brothers and sisters by the Pope is not misplaced. At the same time it should warn us against anti muslim sentiment in our western society. Insulting cartoons or films insulting others religions ( see the planned anti quoran film of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands) should be condemned.
http://www.compassdirect.org/en/isplay.php?page=lead&lang=en&length=long&idelement=4596
shows us that being a Christian in a moslim country is not always easy

Johanan, Bielefeld, Germany

As any muslim will tell you, if you know the "truth" about the prohpet and reject him, you will go to hell. All nonbelievers are also condemned to a similar fate. Any religion that propogates such narrow minded bigotry is clearly backward.

john T, birmingham,

all religon is the root of all evil wen wil man kind wake up an stop folowing whats the ratings of mad an corupt popole

lockey, perth , australia

What is the real objective of the Cathoilic Pope in holding this conversion publicly on Christiandom's most holiest week? Of course to send a message to the Islamic world: "So what are you muslims going to do about it?"

Europe can certainly expect more "terrorism" by Osama bin Laden. Thanks for nothing Pope!

S K Lin, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

The fact is "There is no god".

Say that over a few time, think about it and you soon will realise that it is quite true.

You don't need to believe in an invisible friend to lead a good and wholesome life. In fact it is easier - you don't have to hate anyone.

Albert Ross, Sydney, Australia

Sounds interesting! I guess changing one's religion is like changing the team that you support. Those so-called religious Christian's comments are the funniest in that it shows that they are just team-supporting Christians and have got no in-depth understanding of what their religion says about love of one-another. What is the use of a religion when its followers are not even aware of waht the religion is there for! Funny!

Guldal Cimen, London,

If Magdi Allam was a convert the other way, Catholic to Muslim, the Muslim radicals would say he was a hero. The church would say nothing. Funny old world.
Frank R.

Frank R., Plantation, USA /FL

I feel that the Pope has made a stand, a rightful action. The suggestion by followers of Islam in Italy that he should have baptised Magdi Allam quietly in a local church annoys me no end; the Moslems do not concern themselves whether they upset those outside their faith by their actions, physical or verbal; so then, why should we always, but always, be the one who turns the other cheek?? There is a limit. To baptise someone into the Christian Faith, whatever the denomination, should not automatically sound the call to battle for those of the Moslem persuasion. I am of the Christian persuasion, but I do not stand up on the table and shout 'Apostate!' when my niece mentions an interest in the Buddhist way of life, I commend her interest in seeking something spiritual that suits her; something in the great beyond. Why should any faith group think that it, and it alone, holds the key to the wicket-gate? None are totally innocent.

Derek Harvey, Baliwag, Philippines

It is not so much "which is the 'truer or better' religion" [ an impossible, if not silly, topic ], but which one affords freedom to choose ? This man can convert out of Christianity without fearing for his life. With Islam, it is not so easy - hence the impression given of Islam as a religion of anger and violence. Amazingly, a lot of non-muslims accept or even take it for granted that everyone converts to Islam but never out of it. Therefore, events like this make world news. Some non-muslims as well as muslims are starting to question this assumption - even as they hide in fear of their lives. Danes, Swedes and Dutch men and women are hiding in their own home countries after challenging this assumption. The new Gulag, special to our age ?

Kris iyer, Chennai, India

Do I smell Church Unity here? Lets face it both Faiths have so much in common so when will we see them merging and will they be called Muslics or Cathlims?

Peter, Vancouver BC., Canada

I am wondering what Mr. Bushnaq means by asking the question "Is that wise?" It is a tragic fact that most non-Muslims are paralyzed by worry that any comments possibly deemed as uncomplimentary by the faithful will result in either criminal action or death threats. There has to be another way for all faiths to live in harmony and for many Islamic clerics not to regard Christianity in particular, as a threat to their own faith.
I do not regard the idea in my own country (UK) of Islamic groups trying to set up urban areas governed by Shariya Law as being helpful to the problem . It is far more likely to create suspicion and isolation than harmony with their Christian majority neighbours.

B I Jones, Southampton, UK

"religion is the people opium" Opium is pleasant but is an illusion. Do we need illusions?

Almeida, Lisbon, Portugal

If it is true that we live in free democracies, then an individual should be able to convert from one religion to another without being threatened or even murdered.
Magdi, welcome to the religion of love.

Elisa, Napoli, Italy

POP..I am proud of u..U did it.. Surely this is a message to all terrorists who says that they stop conversion from Islam to Xtianity using their lies and Guns.. UK , Europe are under the threat of pseudosecularism and immorality..they dont even praise Jesus for the good things he has given to them..
Oh Lord..protect Europe from pseudo ideologies..

Sebastian, Bangalore, India

"It would be handy to have a guide book into all the things that could potentially anger muslims"

It would have to come in multiple volumes

Sara, Rome, Italy

So an intellectual weakling has changed his favourite brand of superstition for a different one & an old man in a silly hat has poured water over him. Yawn.

Roger Angove, Truro,

Having a long memory, I seem to recall that the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia agreed to allow a church to be built in Riyadh when the British (London Council) allowed a Mosque to be built in a very prominent position overlooking Hyde Park. IF, and this is a big IF, the Saudis’ approval for a Church is “Long Long” overdue!

Having lived in Saudi Arabia for a period and witnessed at first hand their utter contempt of anything that we in the west consider normal and decent, I seriously doubt they will ever follow their prophets’ instructions and allow equal rights of worship.

Philip Lovering, Caboolture, Australia

At Alison Knight. When Jesus said 'My god, My God why hast thou forsaken me' he was actually quoting a Psalm 22, psalm of David where a man goes through fear but then remembers at the end Gods eternal faithfulness. It was an affirmation of his faith not the end of it.
Secondly the shroud of Turin was proven to be a medieval fake for sttarters and secondly many people were burried with burrial oil that was mixed with herbs. Its how people used to care for the dead. Myrrh is an example, which Jesus was given at his birth.
The romans were also quite competant at crucifixion. I doubt they were that bad at it. Also when the sodier stabbed with a spear water came out. Blood coagulates after you die.
The point of Christ is you cant save yourself by worldly action and just being a nice guy. You are saved by God through the ultimate sin offering, himself. Anything borders on self-righteousness. Are you suggesting that when you face God he lets you in by your own achievements?

Andrew, York, United Kingdom

who cares??????

Toby, Leeds, West Yorkshire

just one simple qustion to the Catholic Church . is that wise ?

mahmood bushnaq, homs , syria

Catholic = universal. If only. Jesus Christ condemned no one, neither did Buddha, Lord Krishna nor the gurus. As for Razul Allah (PBUH) - no more did he. So many popes, priests, imams, ayatollahs and brothers should be ashamed. One God.

Lakshman Das, Edinburgh,

Who says?

Timur, London,

I am a convert to the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam. If someone leaves, there is no fatwa. People are free to come or go. The sincere converts stay to pray, contribute money and give their time according to the level of their faith. We have one hundred categories of charity. If someone wants to feed the poor, help orphans, build schools, provide water to places in Africa, help with disaster relief and build hospitals, this is the best religion for you.
Mr. Allam is free to join Christianity. He has been criticizing Islam, which means peace, for years, so apparently it didn't give him any peace. I was born on Good Friday, baptised on Good Friday and confirmed into the church on Good Friday, but that didn't make me a good Christian. As a Muslim, I try to pray five times a day. It's a much higher standard. I am relieved, because I don't believe Jesus died on the cross. He said "Oh my lord, why have you forsaken me?" If he intended to save everyone, that doesn't indicate his willingness.

Allison Knight, Powder Springs, USA/Georgia

thousands of reputed priests and christians convert to islam. Just hope one day the pope doesnt get mesmorized by the beauty of Islam.

Luhar Muhindi, Sydney, Australia

Jesus didn't die on the cross. He was put on the cross on Friday and taken down by the end of the day, because the next day was the Sabbath. He was shamed by the Jews who did not want to follow his leadership. Joseph of Arimathea hid Jesus in the tomb. The shroud of Turin shows that there were herbs in oil. Why? Because no one tries to heal a dead man. His wounds were healed and he lived. He went to his disciples and asked them for fish. Why? Because he'd ascended to heaven? No, because he was hungry. When he survived, he went to the lost tribe of Israel to teach his teachings. They did not put him on a cross. He died in Sri Nager. His tomb is there. He was called the traveller, because he walked everywhere, preaching. He was not the son of God. He was a prophet of God. He always signed "son of man" because he wanted you to know that he never considered himself the "son of God." The Christians did that to him after his death.

Allison Knight, Powder Springs, USA/Georgia

I think the Pope is using this guy as a propaganda tool.

Dr Ebrahim KHODADOOST, Ardebil, Iran

Best wishes to you Magdi Allam, I am sure you will have peace. I know that from my own experience when back in 1974 I fled to Spain to escape Iraqi Army conscription. I was scared and alone, all doors seemed closed but a small church was open to me all the time. I found comfort and peace. I envy you for are now a follower of the prince of peace, the amazing grace. Bless you guy................

Hassan Hillawi, Canada,

The peace of the risen Lord be always with you, brother Allam.

Michael, Sheffield,

Based on the report he never was much of a Muslim, so what is all this hoo hah over his conversion ? Wonder how long he will stay a Christian ...

John Taylor, London,

Mr Allam was lucky. In most Muslim countries conversion to christianity carries the death penalty, officially or unoffically. One wonders whether the Pope has, in fact, been rather clever in drawing attention to this.

David Bannen, Oxford, UK

If you can't believe Christ's Vicar on Earth who can you believe, lol?

watkins, bangkok, thailand

Well done and welcome to Christianity.

Melina, Leicester, UK

It would be handy to have a guide book into all the things that could potentially anger muslims ..

n monrad, amsterdam, Netherlands

Walking on eggshells is extremely difficult and tedious. We should all be tolerant, or none of us.

E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland

Being a Muslim convert, I can only say that Islam has given me something spoecial which was missing in my life for many years. I am now at peace and if that is what Mr Allam is going for then so be it. Nobody should judge anyone as that should be left for God Almighty.

David (Daoud), Glasgow, Scotland

"Mr Allam, who was educated at a Salesian Catholic school in Egypt and and previously described himself as a "not very devout" Muslim"

So he has gone from being a not very good Muslim (non-Muslim) to a Christian?

Mohammed, London, UK

Religion and War. Both have been intertwined till the dawn of time. Don't expect them to disappear...

Sohiab, hemel, herts

Mr. Allam and Pope Benedict are two brave men. Was violence and terrorism ever defeated without men willing to sacrifice their lives for peace and truth? I hope that more people, myself included, will be willing to stand up for what's right whatever the cost.

Millie, Los Angeles, CA, USA

This is the problem with Christianity - too much emphasis on conversion to "the right faith". Why not leave every body's religious beliefs where they belong - in the privacy of their lives...

John D, Houston,

The issue is not a conversion from one religion to another, it is the fact that this man was baptised by the Pope.
How many people does the Pope himself baptise?
I'm sure he would not fit me into his schedule, but then it wouldn't be quite as sensational would it?
This was an obvious and very inflammatory act, it achieved nothing positive.
Once again religion adds fuel to the fire of intolerance and hatred.

sally, Cranbrook, canada

I think that Muslim groups have to get over themselves about conversions. Seeking death of a convert is what a dangerous cult does.

Is Islam a dangerous cult?

Ethan, Tampa, FL, USA

I would like to say 'welcome home' to all newly recieved Catholics.

jacki, billericay, UK