[sageb1]

"So, if the Pope does not "in any way" agree with what he quoted, what DOES he believe?"

Perhaps this will give you a clue. Cardinal Ratzinger in 1984.

"Extremely harsh also were the words used by Ratzinger in passing judgment on other religions: "After the Council," he says, "their value has been over emphasized; paganism painted as being serene and innocent is one of the illusions of our time. In fact, there exists the active presence of the devil, and from this only Christ can free us. For this reason we must continue to preach Christianity to these non-Christian religions which are in many instances reigns of terror."

The Angelus

[old-ager]

> "After the Council," he says, "their value has been over emphasized; paganism painted as being serene and innocent is one of the illusions of our time. In fact, there exists the active presence of the devil, and from this only Christ can free us. For this reason we must continue to preach Christianity to these non-Christian religions which are in many instances reigns of terror."

Good words, Bishop. Now recant Trent and we are getting someplace. :-)

[Zman516]

I'm not really being critical of the Pope. I think he naively believed that Muslims would respect his office and authority, and, like most Europeans, underestimated the evil and violent response of these animals.

I believe he threw 'em a bone with the "not in any way my opinion" ploy to try to diffuse a bad situation.

I could be wrong.

[Phosgood]

I was one of the first to condemn the Pope till I read your posting of his earlier writings:

http://www.sspx.ca/Angelus/1984_December/Article_Interest.htm

I don't see how he got elected Pope in today's "religion of peace" world. I think he is speaking to the Christian world, not the izlamists. I hope he is not over estimating the ability of his audience to follow his position..... He doesn't have to run for anything.