The Pope and His Speech

I've been amazed from the beginning how the news reports have taken quotes out of context when it comes to Benedict XVI's speech on Sept. 12. So I'm furnishing the links to help you sort out what is fact and what is fiction.

The speech.

The apology.

It seems to me that the two quotes which have so enraged the Muslim world were part of the introduction of the Pope's speech and had little to do with his message. The words are quoted from a 14th century emperor. In his apology, B XVI clarifies that he does not agree with the emperor's opinion. His apology seems to be sadness at the reactions rather than a retraction of the quotes.

Today I saw this:

"The Mujahedeen Shura Council, an umbrella organization of Sunni Arab extremist groups that includes al Qaeda in Iraq, issued a statement on a Web forum vowing to continue its holy war against the West. The authenticity of the statement could not be independently verified.

The group said Muslims would be victorious and addressed the pope as "the worshipper of the cross" saying "you and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword."

I'll be saying some extra prayers tonight...