Pope Benedict clarified (Mae Culpa?) his use of the 14th Century quote today...
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The pastoral visit which I recently made to Bavaria was a deep spiritual experience, bringing together personal memories linked to places well known to me and pastoral initiatives towards an effective proclamation of the Gospel for today.
I thank God for the interior joy which he made possible, and I am also grateful to all those who worked hard for the success of this pastoral visit. As is the custom, I will speak more of this during next Wednesday's general audience.
At this time, I wish also to add that I am deeply sorry for the reactions in some countries to a few passages of my address at the University of Regensburg, which were considered offensive to the sensibility of Muslims.
These in fact were a quotation from a Medieval text, which do not in any way express my personal thought.
Yesterday, the Cardinal Secretary of State published a statement in this regard in which he explained the true meaning of my words. I hope that this serves to appease hearts and to clarify the true meaning of my address, which in its totality was and is an invitation to frank and sincere dialogue, with great mutual respect.
I still believe the Pope was 'unwise' in using the quote in the first place. As a redemptive, religious leader he should have focused on the true, authentic Word (Person) of God, and drawn comparisons of teachings, disciplines and "behavior" (fruit) - rather personally name, and target the source of Muslim's misplaced religious zeal.
The goal is truth for redemption through Jesus Christ.
Now hear me out...the Pope wasn't wrong (and we should pray for him at this time), and the quote he referenced is not inaccurate. As an evangelical, born again believer with a reaching marketplace heart...I just don't believe in shaking the 'bee hive' as a means of ridding the backyard of 'killer bees'.
One must know his theater, and the media's ultimate goal in using his words to create more apathy for Islam. (And you're welcome to disagree.)
Yes, the Pope makes a statement about the evil violence that has captivated Islam radicals...and they riot as a defense. Proof!
I know, and we all know that this type of behavior surfaces each time a radical Muslim is told that they should be offended. We know that the god they are serving is a demonic abduction of God's eternal truth. So why do it in the first place?
My fear has been realized today. Now the Pope has backtracked on the quote, and the truth of the quote. Because of the focus on the offence, and the rioting violence (threats), the Pope has now stated that he believes the quote it is NOT true, and is not his opinion of Islam.
What a shame. I think we all know that the quote is very much an accurate statement, and prediction, but used in an unwise means has lead to compromised position from a solid spiritual leader such as Pope Benedict.
