I know he quoted someone objectionable, but what exactly did the Pope say??

Answer 1

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50055

never mind what the pope said
check out this link
great example of the muslim double standard

Answer 2

This is a great question - more folks like you would certainly counter the hysteria demonstrated so widely. Here is the quote from the Washington Post article:

"The pope began his lecture at the University of Regensburg by quoting from a 14th-century dialogue between the Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologos, and a Persian scholar. In a passage on the concept of holy war, Benedict recited a passage of what he called "startling brusqueness," in which Manuel questioned the teachings of Islam's prophet, Muhammad.

"Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached," Benedict quoted the emperor as saying.

"The pope neither explicitly endorsed nor denounced the emperor's words, but rather used them as a preface to a discussion of faith and reason. The Vatican said the pope did not intend the remarks to be offensive to Muslims."

Answer 3

The Pope quoted Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus, an educated Persian on the subject of Christianity and Islam.

An excerpt from quote: "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."

Even though his message was pro-peace he showed a complete ignorance of world affairs especially that of the Islamic World. His speech further demonises Islam as what the Western media have been subtly doing. If he does not apologize personally (not through Vatican officials) this fire he unintentionally started will sweep through the world - who goes up in flames can be the innocents Christians, Catholics in Muslim dominated countries.

Answer 4

Nobody can read anybodies mind, from what comes out from their mouths. Probably what the Pope said was not what was in his mind when he said whatever he said. However, the Vatican has given explanation for whatever he said. I hope the World will accept the explanation and do not make the whole matter out of proportion. To err is human, but to forgive is divine.

Answer 5

"Shaggy"'s response shows typical neocon thinking. He says, never mind what the pope said, don't look at the facts, look at this right wing opinion piece!

Here's an article in the Washington Post. It gives the pope's statement, his spokesperson's response, and the Muslim reaction.

"Remarks by Pope Prompt Muslim Outrage, Protests
14th-Century Quote Refers to 'Evil' Islam"

Answer 6

This is what he said:"Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."

Answer 7

Just 'imagine' if there were no religion! 'What a wonderful world' this would be.