VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI expressed his admiration for Muslims and Islam on Wednesday, and called for freedom of religion and faith that rejects all forms of violence.

The pontiff, who returned last week from the four-day visit to Turkey that included a stop at Istanbul's Blue Mosque, discussed his trip during his weekly audience at the Vatican.

As a secular state with a predominantly Muslim population, Turkey is an emblem of the challenge for much of the world, Benedict said.

"On one side, it is necessary to rediscover the reality of God and public importance of religious faith, on the other to assure that the expression of faith is free, devoid of fundamentalist degeneration, capable of firmly repudiating any form of violence," the pontiff said.

"I therefore was given the propitious occasion to renew my sentiments of esteem for Muslims and the Islamic civilization," Benedict added. "At the same time I was able to insist on the importance that Christians and Muslims work together for mankind, for life, for peace and for justice."