Replies

1) Thanks for correcting me about papal history. I would, however, argue that the difference back then from today is that the Church was directly attacked back then, not like today.

2) Following this point, the Church back in the days of the Crusades were the leaders of nations; remember that they crowned the kings. Today, obviously, no such connection. The Holy Father has repeatedly spoken out against the persecution of Christians, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. While he does not have armies to physically liberate countries, his work in Poland directly led the Solidarity movement, and he has done things in Cuba and other countries to get greater freedom of worship.

Jesus would never lead any sort of militaristic uprising, nor speak in favor of one, and neither will JP II.