[Iscool]

What of the martyrdom of the early Church? Did they receive the same inheritance? Why did they suffer? When you answer that question... then ask yourself if we are not the same Church with the same Spirit, the same commission and the same destiny.

What about the millions who were not martyred since then??? When's the last time a pope was martyred???

[pgyanke]

What about the millions who were not martyred since then???

Open your eyes! Christians of all stripes (Catholics especially) are martyred by the scores every day around the world! You can read about some of it through Voice of the Martyrs and other publications. Christians are suffering significant persecutions all around you. Just because we have it cushy here doesn't mean the Church isn't suffering!

When's the last time a pope was martyred???

It is said that the first 31 popes were martyred. As to the most recent... a Google search says 1303... so?

[pgyanke]

When's the last time a pope was martyred???

By the way, did you see Pope John Paul II in his final years? He was bent and physically impaired through his incredible labors on behalf of the Church. He has been called "the son of labor" by some. His experience isn't out of the ordinary... most popes give to the point of physical failure... or die sooner. There is great suffering in that great responsibility.