Pope Benedict promises respect for Muslims in visit to Holy Land.

[Solv0trollMens]

Pope Benedict promises to show respect to Muslims in visit to Holy Land Pope promises to show respect to Muslims Pope Benedict XVI’s conciliatory words in visit to Jordan fall short of demands from the Muslim Brotherhood for an apology Rana Sabbagh-Gargour, Amman James Hider, Middle East Correspondent Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Jordan yesterday at the start of a politically sensitive pilgrimage to the Holy Land, saying that he would use the tour to “speak of his deepest respect” for the Muslim community.
His conciliatory words stopped short of fulfilling the demand of the influential Muslim Brotherhood, which had asked for the Pope to apologise for a 2006 speech in which he linked the Prophet Muhammad to terrorism.
Jordanian fighter jets escorted the chartered aircraft carrying the Pope, on his first visit as pontiff to an Arab state, from the minute that it entered the kingdom’s airspace until it landed at Amman’s tightly guarded international airport.
There King Abdullah, a direct descendant of the Prophet, and his wife, Queen Rania, other members of the Royal Family and top officials gave the Pope a red-carpet welcome with a 21-gun salute. Hundreds of Christians wearing shirts bearing photos of Benedict and King Abdullah lined the main road and showered the Pope’s motorcade with rose petals.

In a brief speech the pontiff steered clear of making any political remarks that might spark trouble during his week-long tour of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories.
“My visit to Jordan gives me a welcome opportunity to speak of my deep respect for the Muslim community, and to pay tribute to the leadership shown by His Majesty the King in promoting a better understanding of the virtues proclaimed by Islam,” the Pope said shortly after landing in Amman. Queen Rania wrote on Twitter, the social networking website, about Benedict XVI’s first visit to an Arab country. “Just choppered to airport to receive the Pope. Husband piloting, he got acrobatic to quiet butterflies in stomach . . . told u he was action man!” she said on the site.
A Jordanian army band with bagpipes and drums played the Vatican and Jordanian anthems before the Pope and the King inspected the guard of honour. Abdullah Abdul-Qader, a cleric at Amman’s oldest mosque, told worshippers during Friday prayers to welcome the Pope’s visit. “I urge you to show respect for your fellow Christians as they receive their church leader,” he said at al-Husseini mosque.
As well as Muslims upset by his speech in 2006, Christians and Jews also have a bone to pick with the Pope. His lifting of the ex-communication of a Holocaust-denying bishop has enraged Jews, many of whom were upset after a Vatican cardinal said this year that the Gaza Strip resembled a “big concentration camp” during the Israeli military offensive.
On the other hand, some Arab Christians say he hasn’t done enough to condemn the Gaza offensive, or to protect Christian sites in Arab east Jerusalem from Israeli excavations.
The Pope’s scheduled visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem is likely to prove a key test of his diplomatic skills in the face of some blunt appraisals by Israeli officials, who like to recall his boyhood spent as a conscript in the Hitler Youth.
Avner Shalev, the head of Yad Vashem, said that the Pope’s speech next week “should include a reference to the memory of the Holocaust in the present as well as in the future”.
Referring to the German-born pontiff’s stint in the Hitler Youth, Mr Shalev said: “It is impossible to claim that these things do not have an impact . . . a person’s habitat bears an influence on him, despite the fact that immediately after the war he disengaged from these things and devoted himself to studying religion.”
The Vatican has asked that the Pope be allowed to skip the exhibit accusing his wartime predecessor Pius XII — whom Benedict has suggested canonising — of turning a blind eye to the Nazi massacre of the Jews.
An extreme right-wing Jewish group has even threatened to press criminal charges against the Pope when he is in Israel over Vatican treasures which it claims have been plundered from Jewish people over the centuries.
The complaint lists plunder held in the Vatican, including a golden menorah, or sacred candle holder, that was looted from the Jerusalem Temple by Roman troops in AD70.
May 9, 2009/Source : http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6252493.ece .

[ag337]

I really don't know what to say and/or think about this Pope any more.
He, baffles my mind.

[zachor_ve_kavod]

I really don't know what to say and/or think about this Pope any more.
He, baffles my mind.

I agree with you.  He sends all sorts of mixed messages.

[Serbian Canadian]

I really don't know what to say and/or think about this Pope any more.
He, baffles my mind.

I agree with you.  He sends all sorts of mixed messages.

Isn't that what he's supposed to do? As an authoritative and symbolic figure of the world's largest Christian church and representative of much of the world's population, his duty is to be a diplomat of the world and that includes the appeasement of all peoples. That includes Muslims who are the most important.

[Lewinsky Stinks, Dr. Brennan Rocks]

What a good widdle dhimmi.

[zachor_ve_kavod]

I really don't know what to say and/or think about this Pope any more.
He, baffles my mind.

I agree with you.  He sends all sorts of mixed messages.

Isn't that what he's supposed to do? As an authoritative and symbolic figure of the world's largest Christian church and representative of much of the world's population, his duty is to be a diplomat of the world and that includes the appeasement of all peoples. That includes Muslims who are the most important.

You must be joking.  Are you joking?  In the Catholic faith, the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, who is supposed to lead Christ's church here on Earth.  I'm not even Christian and I know that.  Find me one document that mandates that the Pope is supposed to be a diplomat to the world and appease all peoples.  In modern times, the Pope has become a representative of the Church to non-Catholics.  But where is it written that he is supposed to bow down to muslims and pander to them?

[Serbian Canadian]

You must be joking.  Are you joking?  In the Catholic faith, the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, who is supposed to lead Christ's church here on Earth.  I'm not even Christian and I know that.  Find me one document that mandates that the Pope is supposed to be a diplomat to the world and appease all peoples.  In modern times, the Pope has become a representative of the Church to non-Catholics.  But where is it written that he is supposed to bow down to muslims and pander to them?

That's exactly the thing. He's not supposed to be a diplomat but it seems in today's world he is. Can you imagine what would happen if he didn't appologize to Muslims after he criticized their religion?

[zachor_ve_kavod]

You must be joking.  Are you joking?  In the Catholic faith, the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, who is supposed to lead Christ's church here on Earth.  I'm not even Christian and I know that.  Find me one document that mandates that the Pope is supposed to be a diplomat to the world and appease all peoples.  In modern times, the Pope has become a representative of the Church to non-Catholics.  But where is it written that he is supposed to bow down to muslims and pander to them?

That's exactly the thing. He's not supposed to be a diplomat but it seems in today's world he is. Can you imagine what would happen if he didn't appologize to Muslims after he criticized their religion?

Ok, what do you think would happen if the Pope stood his ground?  If I had to quantify the muslims' hate for the Pope, for Catholicism, for Judaism, for any non-muslim, I would say they have an infinite hate for non-muslims.  So what would happen?  Would they hate the Pope infinitly + 2?  I think what you're saying is naive.

Muslims hate non-muslims with a passion few non-muslims can comprehend.  It is naive to think that there is anything the non-muslim can do to change that.  The only thing a non-muslim can do is convert to islam.  Every gesture of rapprochement is a sign of weakness to them.  If they think you are weak, then they will be more likely to attack you.  If they think you are strong, they will be less likely to attack you, because muslims are basically cowards.  But make no mistake, appeasing the muslims like the Pope is planning to do will not win him an ounce of respect or friendship. 

Nothing good can come from weakness.

[Serbian Canadian]

You must be joking.  Are you joking?  In the Catholic faith, the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, who is supposed to lead Christ's church here on Earth.  I'm not even Christian and I know that.  Find me one document that mandates that the Pope is supposed to be a diplomat to the world and appease all peoples.  In modern times, the Pope has become a representative of the Church to non-Catholics.  But where is it written that he is supposed to bow down to muslims and pander to them?

That's exactly the thing. He's not supposed to be a diplomat but it seems in today's world he is. Can you imagine what would happen if he didn't appologize to Muslims after he criticized their religion?

Ok, what do you think would happen if the Pope stood his ground?  If I had to quantify the muslims' hate for the Pope, for Catholicism, for Judaism, for any non-muslim, I would say they have an infinite hate for non-muslims.  So what would happen?  Would they hate the Pope infinitly + 2?  I think what you're saying is naive.

Muslims hate non-muslims with a passion few non-muslims can comprehend.  It is naive to think that there is anything the non-muslim can do to change that.  The only thing a non-muslim can do is convert to islam.  Every gesture of rapprochement is a sign of weakness to them.  If they think you are weak, then they will be more likely to attack you.  If they think you are strong, they will be less likely to attack you, because muslims are basically cowards.  But make no mistake, appeasing the muslims like the Pope is planning to do will not win him an ounce of respect or friendship. 

Nothing good can come from weakness.

I don't think you understand what I'm saying but I guess I should have been clearer. I was being a little sarcastic. Of course Muslims hate non-muslims with a passion, that's why such an important person such as the pope should have the guts to stand up to them but he doesn't. That's exactly what's wrong with the Christian and Western world. We give them rights and freedom, protect them and defend their religion while they have no respect for other religions.

[drlmg]

I mean no disrespect to Catholics or the Pope but I have been noticing for years that I do not agree with a lot that the Pope says and does. The Pope has taken a lot of liberal stances and avoided speaking out against or for what I consider to be issues representative of the Christian faith. I am in no way opposed to or in significant disagreement with Catholicism or the Pope, just a few issues here and there. I contemplated even writing this because I consider Catholics as brothers and sisters in Christ and would defend them any day but sometimes I just don't comprehend what the Pope(s) (past and present) is thinking. Quite possibly I need to look to myself and ask what am I thinking instead of looking at someone else and wondering what they are thinking.

[zachor_ve_kavod]

You must be joking.  Are you joking?  In the Catholic faith, the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, who is supposed to lead Christ's church here on Earth.  I'm not even Christian and I know that.  Find me one document that mandates that the Pope is supposed to be a diplomat to the world and appease all peoples.  In modern times, the Pope has become a representative of the Church to non-Catholics.  But where is it written that he is supposed to bow down to muslims and pander to them?

That's exactly the thing. He's not supposed to be a diplomat but it seems in today's world he is. Can you imagine what would happen if he didn't appologize to Muslims after he criticized their religion?

Ok, what do you think would happen if the Pope stood his ground?  If I had to quantify the muslims' hate for the Pope, for Catholicism, for Judaism, for any non-muslim, I would say they have an infinite hate for non-muslims.  So what would happen?  Would they hate the Pope infinitly + 2?  I think what you're saying is naive.

Muslims hate non-muslims with a passion few non-muslims can comprehend.  It is naive to think that there is anything the non-muslim can do to change that.  The only thing a non-muslim can do is convert to islam.  Every gesture of rapprochement is a sign of weakness to them.  If they think you are weak, then they will be more likely to attack you.  If they think you are strong, they will be less likely to attack you, because muslims are basically cowards.  But make no mistake, appeasing the muslims like the Pope is planning to do will not win him an ounce of respect or friendship. 

Nothing good can come from weakness.

I don't think you understand what I'm saying but I guess I should have been clearer. I was being a little sarcastic. Of course Muslims hate non-muslims with a passion, that's why such an important person such as the pope should have the guts to stand up to them but he doesn't. That's exactly what's wrong with the Christian and Western world. We give them rights and freedom, protect them and defend their religion while they have no respect for other religions.

Yes, that's right.  But I wouldn't characterize the muslim viewpoint towards other religions as one of disrespect, rather one of pathological, murderous hatred.  Muslims don't even respect each other.  Look what they do to themselves.  It is appalling that the Pope would undermine his office by grovelling to those who would convert or kill him and his people.

[syyuge]

Meanwhile the golden menorah, or sacred candle holder, that was looted from the Jerusalem Temple by Roman troops in AD70 should be returned by this time.

[drlmg]

Meanwhile the golden menorah, or sacred candle holder, that was looted from the Jerusalem Temple by Roman troops in AD70 should be returned by this time.

I saw something about that in a program on History Channel. Don't some people suspect the Vatican has other items from the temple as well?

[muman613]

Meanwhile the golden menorah, or sacred candle holder, that was looted from the Jerusalem Temple by Roman troops in AD70 should be returned by this time.

I saw something about that in a program on History Channel. Don't some people suspect the Vatican has other items from the temple as well?

Yes, there is a court case in Israel where the Pope is being sued... I posted about it a few days ago... I will find the link.
http://jtf.org/forum_english/index.php/topic,34524.msg349370.html#msg349370

[cjd]

Meanwhile the golden menorah, or sacred candle holder, that was looted from the Jerusalem Temple by Roman troops in AD70 should be returned by this time.

I saw something about that in a program on History Channel. Don't some people suspect the Vatican has other items from the temple as well?

The Vatican does have a very large collection of gold and relics it keeps on display in St. Peters Basilica. If anyone has visited there or seen pictures the galleries are right down the large steps that go directly under the main altar. I have never been there myself but it is said the collection on display is quite impressive and  I am sure they have quite a bit more in vaults that may never see the light of day. I am sure that the church has quite a few relics that come from other religions that may have been plundered during the crusade's but in 70 ad  the R.C.C did not even exist so how would it have the menorah or anything else from that time. In 70 ad Romans were tossing Christians to the lions not giving them golden menorah's. I am sure any gold plundered from that time was long melted down and used for something else. How is it thought that the R.C.C ended up with said items? Some years back the R.C.C did return some relics it had that were Jewish in origin  but I think it was more in the line of Torah scrolls and such.

[mord]

I think that probably the The Knights Templar have it they probably turned it over to the mason

[SW]

This pope is really a puppet. He is dealing with a "religion" (pisslam) which says openly they want to kill Jews and Christians. He is German, no wonder he is dealing with Muslims and visit mosques of our enemys. Really sad  

[Rubystars]

I don't understand why he doesn't call Islam what it is, a heathen religion. He certainly says protestants are going to hell so why doesn't he say the same for Muslims?

[SW]

I don't understand why he doesn't call Islam what it is, a heathen religion. He certainly says protestants are going to hell so why doesn't he say the same for Muslims?

I don't know. Either he is a really good person who see the only the good in the people or he is brainwashed.

[Rubystars]

If he only sees the good in people then why doesn't he see the good in Protestants? I mean the former pope (John Paul) said the closest religion to his own was Islam. I would think the closest religion to his own would be other forms of Christianity, then Judaism. This Pope (Benedict/Ratzinger) seems to feel the same way as the last one. These popes are very strange creatures.

[SW]

If he only sees the good in people then why doesn't he see the good in Protestants? I mean the former pope (John Paul) said the closest religion to his own was Islam. I would think the closest religion to his own would be other forms of Christianity, then Judaism. This Pope (Benedict/Ratzinger) seems to feel the same way as the last one. These popes are very strange creatures.

I don't understrand the pope thing at all. We don't need a representative for Jesus. I think it's all about money and may a bit about ideology.

[Rubystars]

If he only sees the good in people then why doesn't he see the good in Protestants? I mean the former pope (John Paul) said the closest religion to his own was Islam. I would think the closest religion to his own would be other forms of Christianity, then Judaism. This Pope (Benedict/Ratzinger) seems to feel the same way as the last one. These popes are very strange creatures.

I don't understrand the pope thing at all. We don't need a representative for Jesus. I think it's all about money and may a bit about ideology.

I don't want to get too far into Christian theology on the forum but I don't think we need human mediators between God and people either.

[SW]

If he only sees the good in people then why doesn't he see the good in Protestants? I mean the former pope (John Paul) said the closest religion to his own was Islam. I would think the closest religion to his own would be other forms of Christianity, then Judaism. This Pope (Benedict/Ratzinger) seems to feel the same way as the last one. These popes are very strange creatures.

I don't understrand the pope thing at all. We don't need a representative for Jesus. I think it's all about money and may a bit about ideology.

I don't want to get too far into Christian theology on the forum but I don't think we need human mediators between G-d and people either.

Yes. I think everyone of us got a special relationship to God. The pope is actually waste. But still a symbol for Christianity. Nevermind... let the pope be the pope.