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.
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.
The Pope is going where angels fear to tread. I cannot think of anyone better prepared for death than the Pope.
I don't see things the way you do. Is offering himself up as a target for Muslims being a martyr? He's putting himself in harms way and it's not necessary. They don't WANT him there.
He may be the Pope, but to them, he is just another infidel. Anyone with an ounce of sense, wouldn't have a good feeling about this trip.
sw