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Pope Benedict XVI has called on Christians, Muslims and Jews to "root out" religious fundamentalism, on the first day of his trip to Lebanon.

His three-day visit marks the first papal trip to the country in 15 years.

During his stay, the pontiff will meet politicians and leaders from Lebanon's 18 religious groups, many of whom are divided over the conflict in Syria.

The visit coincides with protests erupting across the Middle East and Asia over a film mocking Islam.

"Religious fundamentalism seeks to take power for political ends, at times using violence, over the individual conscience and over religion," the Pope said.

"All religious leaders in the Middle East [should] endeavour, by their example and their teaching, to do everything possible to uproot this threat, which indiscriminately and fatally affects believers."

The pontiff's exhortations were made public as he signed recommendations on how to improve the lives of the Christian minority, making up 40% of Lebanon's population, and its relations with Islam and Judaism.

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