Do you think the Pope knew beforehand when he said it?

Question

And ignited a violent firestorm from radical muslims.

Didnt the Pope have some ideas what he was causing with his remarks.

Or was he genuinely surprized?

I dont know I'm just asking.

Answer 1

Yes, I think he knew, but he underestimated the reaction. He also opposes the entry of Turkey into the EU, and believes only truly European nations should be members.
He was a member of the Hitler Youth organization until age 17. This Pope has quite a different background than the previous pope who was a Polish underground freedom fighter. He also seems to be dealing with different religions in a quite a different way. Pope John Paul II sought nothing but peace and understanding between the faiths.

Answer 2

I heard a report saying the Pope was not "media savvy."

I have not read the whole speech, or even the portion of it in question. It was apparently a long, philosophical discourse.

But I could have told him what would happen.

Maybe he knew that the extremists would prove his point by reacting violently. But I really don't think the Pope tries to "score points" in that way.

Sometimes people have no choice to speak out, even though it will "stir up trouble." Again, the US civil rights movement comes to mind.

You can't work to solve problems if you are afraid to discuss them.

Answer 3

Oh, he knew alright!..His speech writers would have explained it all to him very carefully!..But if you examine what the pope said, his quoting of the 14th century Magyar who made the original statement is correct!..Islam and Christianity was at war, yet again, as it is now!..And the popes statement was a calculated view of the reality of the way Islam has always been!..Conversion by the sword is the word of the prophet, 'holy war' {jihad} is the word of the prophet!..'Flowing rivers of the blood of the infidels' is the word of the prophet!..All muslims must obey the word of the prophet!..This is why Islam, which can be a good thing...isnt..and will probably go the way of 'thugee' ..And be totaly exterminated for world safety!..Its got to happen unfortunatly!..

Answer 4

Catholic doctrine would not say that this is not achieveable to entice close even if a individual might want to or received't have lengthy previous to heaven; it fairly is the point of saints. those are those who the church states with some truth are in heaven. Cardinal Ratzinger develop into regardless of the reality that, stating his desire and idea that John Paul II develop into one such saint. this is not a lie, yet an expression of his idea that John Paul II develop into such someone to deserve sainthood, very such as mom Theresa and different holy adult men and females of God.

Answer 5

The Pope is a highly educated man, A professor of religion I think. Without a doubt he considered the reaction, but he's the Pope. He answers to no one.

Perhaps he wanted to see the "religion of peace" show their azzes in public.

Answer 6

Here is a link to the English translation of the Pope's controversial speech: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060912_university-regensburg_en.html

With love in Christ.

Answer 7

Now the pope says he is upset, should he apologize for his remarks on Islam?
Yes 61% 67072 votes
No 39% 42782 votes
Total: 109854 votes
http://edition.cnn.com/POLLSERVER/results/27419.exclude.html

Answer 8

I'm not sure whether he knew or not. But it was definitely very bad timing on his part. He should consider the fact that he is in such a powerful position as to the words he says carries a lot of weight. He should have thought twice before he made any remarks about religions.

Besides we already have Bush to inflame the world with stupid, short-sighted comments about "Islamo Fascists"

Answer 9

The Pope is not responsible for the violence of Muslims.

I suspect he was surprised.

Answer 10

Since he speaks directly for God, I suspect the omniscient Lord is trying to stir up some smackdown with Allah.