Should the Pope have spoken out on the Muslim religion or kept his mouth shut?

Question

The Pope rarely makes pronouncements on anything. Why has he chosen this very touchy religion to criticise?

Answer 1

Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech?

Did I wake up this morning and not notice a new law that dictates that we have to watch everything we say?

Answer 2

How can the Pope keep his mouth shut ? He is here to tell us something. If he is critical about the Prophet Mohammad or even Islam, why should he be criticised? The muslims are free to reply his querries. The Muslim Imams or mullas can also criticise christianity or other religions. The freedom of expression is much more important than the religions and religious leaders.

Answer 3

One of the things Islam desperetly needs is to be confronted with ideological, social and philosophical thoughts, counter agreements. Pope has done just that. Other than the senseless and provoked demonstrations around the world, it is now on the Islamic scholars and leaders to answer the question Pope asked: What added value does Islam have on top of the other religions?

With Judaism meant for a certain race (!), Christianity definitely had an added value of embaracing all kinds of races. It is claimed by Islamists that Islam came after Christianity got modified drastically by men... but does it justify another religion which is in essence (one God, etc.) similar to Christianity?

Islam needs a revolution and actions like this will quicken the thought process within Islam itself. The revolution will be over time and, I believe, modern Islamic countries such as Turkey and Lebanon are most likely to lead this painful revolution.

To answer your question: Consciously done or tricked into saying this by his speach writers, it does not matter. Pope should've spoken and he did. Thanks Pope.

Answer 4

This was yet another big mistake made by the Vatican, who are obviously blind to what is happening around the world.
The Pope should make a full unreserved apology to the Muslims as he would have to with anyone else he offends.
Why are these people in high places intent on stirring up hatred with stupid statements without thinking of the consequences around the world, now you are going to get Muslims hating Catholics etc.
I personally do not believe in any religion,but fully respect those that do,and I would never run anyone down for their religion,and not all Muslims are Terrorists,and not all of us hate Muslims .

Answer 5

His remarks may have been inappropriate, I did not listen to the speech, but saw the quote in the media.
However I think that the response from some Muslims, who were seen burning effigy's and chanting death slogans, rather than having some intellectual peaceful discussion about the issue, does nothing but show the world that perhaps there is still some truth in what the Pope quoted.
Peace to all, Peace to the World.

Answer 6

Unfortunetly, the religious leaders of the world have decided that their religion is the only true one. Unfortunetly, the religious right of America has caused us many problems with the world's Muslim Community. Their leaders do the same. The Pope, and I am a catholic, is another leader with a singular vision of morality. You can not expect anything else from him. None of them seem intent on peace and togetherness. Keep his mouth shut, absolutely. Just wish the rest would do the same.

Joe McCormack

Answer 7

Simon,
So far no one was willing to speak against Islam. That is the reason they were taking it as a privilege to practice terror and preach peace.

More of world leaders should come ahead with criticizing the terror in Islam and then only they will have the willingness to think on the evils within them. Let Islam learn to correct themselves and then the rest will be alright.

So, don't think Christianity is right. They too are wrong. Is Pope right? No, not at all.

Answer 8

These muslims are causing a lot of trouble at the moment. I feel that England/United states would respect them more if they respected us. Our Grandfathers and relatives fought and lost their lives for the English air that we breath today and we just give it away for free, its an absolute joke. Go and spread your brain washed religion some where else i say! Respect our country or F**K off. I think the Pope can say what he wants as we all know it is the truth.

Answer 9

Nobody had called for the Pope's great opinion. He should have exercised more caution. Such comments always ruffle a few feathers. Didn't the Pope knew anything about the Danish Cartoon controversy?

Answer 10

I think the whole thing was misconstrued. Those were not his words. He was quoting someone else. And he wanted to test the quote. He was asking, "Is there anyone out there that can disprove the quote?" No one was really listening to the Pope and his argument; everyone decided to listen to the media, which took his whole statement out of context. Blame the media for turning this into a spectacle! Don't blame the Pope!

Answer 11

The Pope was right ans he was testing something that must be tested today because religion cannot condone violence. Both the media and well positioned clerics are stirring up the whole thing, and is now up to the Muslims to show whether they are able to question their spokespersons. I hope they do.