Lucknow, Sep 15 (IANS) Condemning the Pope's remarks against the Prophet, Shia Muslims in this Uttar Pradesh capital have demanded an apology from him.

Saying the statement against the Prophet was blasphemous, they raised slogans "Down with the Pope" after the Friday prayers at Asafi Imambara here.

The Pope must tender an apology for hurting the sentiments and feelings of billions of Muslims, they said.

Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawaad, who led the prayers, told media persons: "When the US unleashes terror on Muslims, the Pope turns a blind eye. He chooses to remain silent when Muslims are slaughtered in Bosnia or in Iraq or Lebanon.

"There is no reason for him to run a vilification campaign against our revered Prophet."

He said the Pope's remarks were least expected from someone of his stature.

Earlier in the day, about 30,000 students of City Montessori Schools - which holds a record in the Guinness Book for being the largest chain of schools in a city - expressed displeasure at the Pope's remarks.

Jagdish Gandhi, the founder, told reporters: "The Pope's remark that Islam has been spread with a sword is too sweeping to be coming from the spiritual head of the world's largest and peace loving community of Christians."

He said, "Even Jesus Christ would not approve of such a statement. Christ always talks of peace."