I read the full text of the Pope's address to the university, published by Drudge, and it was a scholarly and thoughtful lecture on the historic role of faith and reason in theology.
In that context the quote cited by Benedict of a Byzantine emperor - that Islam was spread by destructive force and intimidation - was not only appropriate but historical fact.
By the way, it was this "religion of peace" that invaded the Byzantine Empire and seized Constantinople in 1453. Constantinople is now Istanbul.
By the way, the Islamofascist response has been destroy churches, shoot a nun, and threaten war. Hasn't that proved the Pope was right?
Exactly!