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've got a bad feeling about this.
The pope ought to take Mitch Rapp to Turkey with him. Then he'd be OK.
Well, heck, President Bush says Islam is the ROP. What does the Pope have to worry about????
I, too, have a bad feeling about this trip.
St. Michael protect Pope Benedict. Amen
This just might be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel jockeys' backs...
Someone else pointed this out, but this is an extraordinary coincidence (or not):
The First Crusade (against the Turks) was preached by Pope Urban II at the Council of Claremont in NOVEMBER of the year 1095, which is (you guessed it) 911 years ago...
Whatever happens will be for the greater glory of the Christian religion. As St. Paul says, "All things work to the good for those who love the Lord."
Either we're going to see our beloved Pope bringing a visible Christian presence and message to an overwhelmingly Islamic country or we will have one more glorious Catholic martyr to add to the number of the blessed.
Doesn't he ride around in the (bullet-proof) "Popemobile"?
Taking necessary precautions to protect oneself is always a good idea.
I pray this isn't the prelude to Armageddon, as it could be.
I'm sure Archduke Franz Ferdinand would agree.
Why wear a bulletproof vest when the muslims only use car bombs as there choice of weapon.
I have to admire him for this, as I had commented on another thread that his trust should be in God, not in his security team.
I do hope he is safe through out his journeys.
OK. Fine. Don't wear the vest. But do you have to advertise that fact that you won't be wearing a vest??? I wish him all the best but maybe this detail should have been kept to his security detail.
God Bless our Pope.
Same here.Not a single muslim's mind will be changed in the least (assuming that that's the Pope's goal here) and every 9th Century knuckledragger within 2000 of Turkey will want to take a shot at him.
If I Slam is to be delivered from darkness it will be done by muslims....if there are any who have the desire,willingness and courage to do so.
While the Marytrs are such a powerful testament to the Power of Christ, I selfishly, do not want to lose Benedict XVI too soon. He has so much of God's work left to accomplish in His Church.
St. Michael Archangel pray for him, be a shield for him.
May God protect them both.
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