The Vatican didn’t issue a special statement. This is just another news story like the one you posted except this one was from Yahoo via AP. I can see why you were taken in though - it’s easy to be manipulated by the media.
...well, it may not be a ‘special statement’ but I’ll regard it as an important clarification from a Vatican spokesman. Symbolism matters.
This is from the Catholic News Service:
“Visiting mosque, pope says believing in God means respecting others
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
AMMAN, Jordan (CNS) — To believe in God is to pray, to be merciful and compassionate, to witness to the truth and to uphold the dignity of every person, Pope Benedict XVI said after visiting a monumental new mosque in Amman.
Acknowledging that much of the history of Christian-Muslim relations has been marked by misunderstanding and tension, the pope said it is faith that calls members of both communities to respect each other and join together to promote the common good.
(full story)
Of course, some will continue to damn the Pontiff rather than read the truth.