Does the Pope of the Catholic Church have a role in the war and sectarian violence in the Middle East?

Question

Pope Asks Religious Leaders to Renounce Violence
Pontiff Preaches Brotherhood on First Visit to Muslim Country
By VICTOR L. SIMPSON, AP

ANKARA, Turkey (Nov. 28) - Pope Benedict XVI urged leaders of all religions Tuesday to "utterly refuse" to support any form of violence in the name of faith, while Turkey's top Muslim cleric complained to the pontiff of growing "Islamophobia" in the world.

As he began his first visit to a Muslim country - a trip that drew extraordinary security but few onlookers - Benedict sought a careful balance as he extended friendship and brotherhood to Muslims, hoping to end the outcry from many Muslims over his remarks linking Islam to violence.

But the German pope also hammered away at key points of his 18-month papacy, telling diplomats that leaders of all religions must "utterly refuse to sanction recourse to violence as a legitimate expression of faith."

He avoided mention of any specific religion, even as he decried terrorism and the "disturbing conflicts across the Middle East."

Answer 1

I had more respect for the pope before. I didn't realize until a few days ago that he would do something like this. How can you talk sense to people who listen to leaders want to butcher and kill anyone who is not of their faith? They even threatened to assassinate him if he did take the trip to Turkey.
The war with Islamic extremists is not going to be won by pleading, or sitting about and only praying. The old Christians who had to fight for their survival may well say that God helps those who help themselves. If they come to you to do harm, don't just sit and pray and beg for mercy; fight or oppose them when they come.

Answer 2

The Pope is working hard to secure religious freedom for Christians in Muslim countries. Read up on the current news in Lebanon where Muslims are setting off bombs in Christian neighborhoods. Religious violence in a real concern in some parts of the world.

Answer 3

I think Benedict XVI was just reaffirming the Church's nonviolent stance.

Answer 4

He messed up earlier and he realizes that, but I think he still completely believes in what he said no matter what trips he makes and who he becomes friends with. He's just splitting up the two religions even more although he claims to be trying to help them get closer.