Lando 
"forced to backtrack... major bridge-building..."
Wrong. And wrong. The author doesn't have a clue.
Lando
For a more concise framing of the writer's true intent and hope, read carefully the very last sentence, and then the paragraph preceding it, which intentionally set up that closing line.
This misbegotten keyboard monkey {who deserves to be called neither reporter, nor writer in fact} is in no uncertain terms wishing for an untimely/early demise for Pope Benedict XVI.
It is not the point of the whole article, but it is the implied conclusion of the keyboard monkey that such would be the best outcome for the sake of ecumenical relationships with the "sensitive mozzies" and the rest of the "easily deeply offended world".
Absolutely blasphemous, unspeakably biased, axe-grinding, agenda driven tripe, offal, and excrement.
Viva Il Papa!!
AmericanArchConservative
"The Final Crusade has commenced; Follow the One who looks like a Lamb that was slain, the Son of Man!"
+
If you want on (or off) this Catholic and Pro-Life ping list, let me know!
btt
I wouldn't call it a blunder but it would have been more powerful if the Pope simply quoted from the Hadiths regarding what Mohammed did and left it for all to judge themselves. One doesn't need to condemn Mohammed. Islam's Hadiths themselves contain all the evidence needed for any rational person to discern Muhammed's character as a cruel murderer. Most non-muslims simply don't know what's in those documents and those that do should educate the masses.
Facts are a stubborn thing.
This is anti-catholic tripe. Read the full tranlation of one of the most thought out presntations on the problem written in Modern times.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1702192/posts
In what sense did the Pope retract?
And what does "railed" mean?
Maybe the headcutters can invite the pope to a dialogue in a cathedral in one of their own countries. Why, wait a minute... there are no cathedrals in muslim countries. In fact, the Jesus haters will saw your head off if they catch you in possession of the Bible.
(Can you imagine what would happen if the designer had dressed her sweet little dogs in jihadist costumes?)
Unlike Muslims, it seems, Christians (and Jews) normally have a sense of humor about themselves.
Dogs Spitzel and Zorroline wear a Pope Benedict XVI and a cardinal costume designed by owner and German fashion designer Hildegard Bergbauer, as they sit in a garden in the Bavarian village of Hailing, September 13, 2006. REUTERS/Alexandra Beier
Dog costume designer Hildegard Bergbauer "is very religious and says the costumes are not designed to poke fun at the church or the Pope ... the designer says she is sure this is something Benedict XVI would understand." --NDTV.com
Why hasn't he mastered the media machine, because he didn't spew PC crap? He spoke the truth and should be defended.
What a bunch of hogwash....
He was right on and it is about time the Catholic Church stood for something other than harboring queers!
Blunder !? Whoever said that was a blunder ?! He spoke his mind. Which happens to be the exactly the same thing most of us (at least here) are thinking.
I agree, a BARF ALERT is needed for the title of this thread.
[Benedict blunder shows he has failed to master..... (not worth repeating) ]
Blame the all powerful victim.