Posted on 11/27/2006 8:16:03 AM PST by Rutles4Ever
THE POPE has refused repeated requests to wear a bullet-proof vest – as he heads into a cauldron of hate in Turkey this week.
Benedict XVI, who arrives in Ankara tomorrow, is making his first visit to a Muslim country since causing uproar with controversial remarks about the prophet Mohammed.
In Istanbul yesterday, 25,000 protesters demonstrated against Tuesday’s planned four-day visit. Now, Vatican security chiefs fear that the Pope could be a genuine target for murder.
Islamic groups have threatened to assassinate the Pope if he sets foot in Turkey – he was even warned to stay away by the Turk who tried to kill Pope John Paul II in 1981.
A Vatican source said: "Security staff suggested to the Holy Father that for safety’s sake he should consider wearing a bullet proof vest but he dismissed the idea immediately.
"The five cardinals accompanying him on the visit were advised to wear one but have also dismissed the idea.
"The protection teams are worried and are bringing in extra agents to look after him."
In September, the German-born pontiff quoted a Byzantine emperor who had described some Islamic teachings as "evil and inhumane" – particularly a "command to spread by the sword the faith".
At his Sunday midday service in Rome, the Pope told the congregation that he felt "deep emotion" over the coming trip.
He said: "I want to send a cordial greeting to the dear Turkish people, rich in history and culture. To these people and their representatives, I express feelings of esteem and sincere friendship."
But the Pope’s earlier remarks on Islam had set off a wave of anti-Vatican protests across the Muslim world, including Turkey.
He was recently warned by Mehmet Ali Agca – who shot the late Pope John Paul II in St Peter’s Square in Rome 25 years ago – to cancel the visit.
Agca, now in a Turkish jail for murdering a journalist, said: "As a man who knows these things, I say your life is in danger. Don’t come to Turkey."
Agca has never explained why he shot John Paul II – who visited him in jail, forgave him, and died last year. As the anti-Pope protest grew in Istanbul yesterday, 4,000 officers backed by riot trucks, armoured vehicles and helicopters kept watch.
The demonstration was organised by a pro-Islamic political party called Felicity whose leaders have said they were offended by Benedict’s comments. Protesters carried posters urging the Pope not to come.
More than 10,000 police will be on duty for the visit. The papal flight will be escorted by two Turkish fighters. Snipers will be on rooftops. Bomb disposal teams have been put on alert. And armed patrol boats will check the waters of the Bosphorus.
Sounds like he's going to need Mitch Rapp, Jack Bauer, and Chuck Norris all together for this one.
BTW, Mitch Rapp doesn't sleep. He merely waits.
If the deranged followers of Mad Mo the Delusional really want to kill him, neither the popemobile nor a bulletproof vest will do any good. Use your imagination ...
do not want to lose Benedict XVI too soon. He has so much of God's work left to accomplish in His Church.
Isn't he the last pope ? .. or the last one before the end?
I give him a 75% chance to get out of there alive.
Cardinals whispering amonst themselves "Man, I hate when he does this!"
I think you're talking about Saint Malachy's prophecy. According to that, Pope Benedict XVI is "The Glory of the olive", the second to last Pope.
If the muslims around the world ever wanted to gain any type of respect or acceptance as a legitimate religion, the worst case scenario would be an attempt on the Pope's life.
If the Pope is fulfilling prophecy and allowing his own assassination to facilitate the onset of Armageddon, God be with him. Good will triumph over evil.
Amen.
Nothing will happen to him. He will be fine. Pray that he has the courage to say whatever he's inspired to say.
His security detail must be turning pale.
Details of the Popes protection should not be made public.
He's living completely in Christ now.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and on Pope Benedict.
Sounds like mohammedism to me...
Because a vest will also protect you from fragments, flying nails, or whatever from an IED. At least your torso, absent a helmet, your head has to take it's chances.
Maybe we could stick some Kevlar under his "hat".
As time passes, it is becoming apparent the muslim community is in deep denial about islam itself. That they can deny islam's connection to violence is beyond belief...but somehow they remain in the dark.
IMO, the only way they can escape the islamic brainwashing is by being de-programmed on a massive scale.
I think the Pope did a little of that with his statement at Regensburg. They may not like the Pope, but they heard him loud and clear.
Well at least the vest will keep your torso together when the rest of ya is blown to hell.
Any Koranimal touches my Pope, and I quit my job, and future generations of ragheads will know me as the "Great Destroyer".
I'm sure, that whatever is going to happen, God knows it.
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