I don't. An islamicist killing the Pope would be the biggest mistake muslims could make on this planet.
Because the next Pope would call for a Crusade.
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.
I doubt it. The west is finished.
Best store up canned goods and other survival gear.
Ever since the visit was announced I've had that feeling...
Reminds me of a joke:
A woman asks her priest to pray for her son, a boxer.
He says, "Sure, lady, but it may help if he can pack a punch!"
I don't. An islamicist killing the Pope would be the biggest mistake muslims could make on this planet.
Because the next Pope would call for a Crusade.
If the worst does happen, I wonder if we could get some help against these murderers? Like South America, Africa, and Europe. Ain't there a few Catholics left in those places? Somebody might even cut Chavez's throat for pulling for the Iranians. The Euro wussies would probably just say, "He asked for it".
The head survives because it is popped off much like a cork flying out of a champagne bottle. It is a signature sign of a suicide bombing.
Schedule:
Tuesday, Nov. 28
9 a.m. Departure from Rome/Fiumicino to Ankara
TURKEY
Ankara
1 p.m. Arrival at Esemboga International Airport
• Visit to the Atatürk Mausoleum
• Welcome ceremony and courtesy visit to the President of the Republic
• Meeting with the Vice Prime Minister
• Meeting with the President of Religious Affairs (Address of the Holy Father)
• Meeting with the Diplomatic Corps (Address of the Holy Father)
Wednesday, Nov. 29
Ephesus
• Holy Mass (Homily of the Holy Father)
Istanbul
• Moment of prayer at the Patriarchal Church of St. George and private meeting with H.H. Bartholomew I (Greeting of the Holy Father)
Thursday, Nov. 30
• Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George (Address of the Holy Father, and Joint Declaration)
• Visit to the Museum of Saint Sofia
• Visit to the Blue Mosque
• Moment of prayer at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and meeting with H.B. Patriarch Mesrob II (Greeting of the Holy Father)
• Meeting with H.E. the Syrian Orthodox Metropolitan
• Meeting with the Grand Rabbi of Turkey
• Meeting and dinner with the members of the Catholic episcopal conference
Friday, Dec. 1
• Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (Homily of the Holy Father)
• Farewell ceremony at the Airport of Istanbul
• 1:15 p.m. Departure from the Airport of Istanbul to Rome
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