Not that the distinction between Catholicism and other religions is all that important, though. Not that the distinction between Catholicism and other religions is all that important, though.That’s an interesting photo. I have seen “explainations” that say it was actually a Bible given to him by some Arabic patriarch (not pictured, from some Coptic church allegedly).
I don’t know. And (at least) for me, that’s the point. There exist no firm absolute source to determine the photograph’s authenticity, (at least nine that it could find after literally spending hours one Sunday afternoon searching) much less what he is actually kissing, so,for myself there isn’t much reason to get all worked up about it.
But, should anyone be concerned he is kissing a Koran: I have of course considered that possibility and concluded that, from a human standpoint, it’s not that odd to show such gratitude for what another (this case a Muslim) would consider such a “treasure”. It’s not as if he is worshipping the book. After all, if someone gave me a prized possession of theirs, I may kiss it too to show how much I appreciate the gesture.
But that’s just me. “Your mileage may vary” I guess.
yeah I was rather disgusted when I saw that photo for the first time