[Piranha]

Still, "American and European security analysts agree that the Vatican could be a terrorist target," writes CWNews.com, a Catholic online service. They also agree that the danger of a terrorist attack will be particularly high on Easter Sunday.

The pope's opposition to the war in Iraq and against Israel's treatment of Palestinians may not matter to someone under the sway of "the uncontrollable madness of terrorism," said Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

You mean the Vatican still may be a target even though the Pope condemns Israel's treatment of Palestinians? Maybe it's time for the Pope to consider a fall-back position.

[Piranha]

Presidio9,

I notice that the Vatican (through Renato Martino) did not refer to the Vatican's pacifism, as you maintain, but rather to OPPOSITION to Israel vis a vis its treatment of Palestinian arabs -- with nary a word of condemnation of suicide bombings of innocent men, women and children in Israel who are celebrating Passover, preparing for weddings, riding buses, going to nightclubs, etc.

You have a beautiful theory, but the facts don't appear to be on your side unless you are prepared to deligitimize Martino as well.