Why 12? The obvious symbolic reference is to Christ and the twelve apostles. Yet the twelve apostles were not adherents of an ideology that said that Christians were unbelievers (Qur’an 5:17, 5:72), and under the curse of Allah (Qur’an 9:30) and should be fought against and subjugated (Qur’an 9:29). But the Pope doesn’t bother himself with such niceties, and why should he? He can congratulate himself that he is taking care of those in need. Ordinary Europeans will bear the brunt of his folly; he won’t.
“Pope brings 12 Syrian Muslim refugees to Italy,” Fox News, April 16, 2016 (thanks to Paul):
Pope Francis on Saturday took 12 Syrian refugees, all of them Muslim, back with him to the Vatican after an emotional and provocative trip to Greece.
The three families, including six children, boarded the papal jet after the pope’s visit to a refugee detention center on the Greek island of Lesbos.
The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis wanted to “make a gesture of welcome” to the refugees.
Thousands of migrants are now stuck on Lesbos after last month’s agreement between the EU and Turkey to return migrants, the BBC reported.
He told refugees living in the Moria camp “you are not alone,” according to the BBC.
The Vatican will take responsibility for supporting the families.
The pontiff is already hosting two refugee families at the Vatican, so the gesture would be in keeping with Francis’ call for Europe to open its hearts and borders to those most in need.
The pope visited the island of Lesbos alongside the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians and the head of the Church of Greece to thank Greece for its welcome and highlight the plight of refugees following the controversial EU deal.
Many refugees fell to their knees and wept at Francis’ feet as he and the two Orthodox leaders approached them at the Moria detention center. Others chanted “Freedom! Freedom!” as they passed by. Francis bent down as one young girl knelt at his feet sobbing uncontrollably. A woman told the pope that her husband was in Germany, but that she was stuck with her two sons in Lesbos.
In his remarks to them, Francis said the refugees should know that they are not alone and shouldn’t lose hope. He said he wanted to visit them to hear their stories and to bring the world’s attention to their plight.
“We hope that the world will heed these scenes of tragic and indeed desperate need, and respond in a way worthy of our common humanity,” he said. “May all our brothers and sisters on this continent, like the Good Samaritan, come to your aid in the spirit of fraternity, solidarity and respect for human dignity that has distinguished its long history.”…

gravenimage says
Pope brings 12 Syrian Muslim refugees to Italy
………………………….
And these 12 are just symbolic. The real message of this trip is that Europe should let the rapefugees flood in with no checks.
Miao Zedong says
The Vatican State is bringing 12 “Refugees” into his own territory ?
Peggy says
Yep, the Pope is the new Christ and those parasites his apostoles.
How many Catholics are willing to follow this man? Sadly too many.
Guest says
Hey Pope! There’s a difference between being nice and being a doormat!
خَليفة says
Yes. And I have seen some very NICE door mats to wipe the mud off shoes before entering the home.
The Pope is an idiot, but a nice idiot.
umbra says
He appears to be a nice idiot, but may really be a spiteful idiot.
Jay Boo says
No shoes to wipe off.
Why did Pope Francis pick these 12 over others?
hint —
The 12 Syrian refugees, all of them Muslim will not be wearing shoes for a while in front of the (foot fetish) pope.
خَليفة says
The sad thing is this…. Let’s just suppose that these 12 are so overwhelmed by the pope’s love that they honestly convert to Christianity. They will then become targets to be killed as apostates. No other Muslims will be affected in a good way.
You dont get rid of an ant problem by killing the scouts, no matter how many you kill – until you kill the queen the scouts will keep coming and coming. The pope is just killing scouts.
Jay Boo says
The next time he walks by barefoot Muslims wiggling their toes as bait, Pope Francis needs to read the story of the Trojan horse.
maghan says
Yes, one must question his intelligence. And not nice at all, but naive and kinda goofy. An intelligent Pope would wake up early every day for 3 months and read all research all he could about Islam, the life of Muhammad and the Hadith.
But this simple-minded man has done no such thing. A rational Pope would have asked for 12 Yazidi women and girls instead of pandering stupidly to so-called refugees who paid big cash to cross over to Greece instead of flowing over to other Muslim havens.
An attention grabbing man but stupidly so.
Michael Baker says
The media Pope all show no substance
Peggy says
If he was being nice then he would be helping Christians and other non Muslims in the ME NOT THESE PARASITES.
He’s not nice. He’s part of the problem.
Roger Gangitano says
What about the Christians, our most reverent “Holiness”? How about saving some of the Christians that are being slaughtered and eradicated?
mortimer says
RG wrote: “How about saving some of the Christians”
Most ordinary Catholics will not go for this for the reason you mentioned. There may be a drop in revenue when churchgoers express disapproval by giving less.
WHO COULD BLAME THEM WITH A RECKLESS LEADER LIKE THIS?
Martel of Tours says
I’ve already called my archdiocese and told them to cancel my $3,500 pledge. My message to the Bishop was I stood by the church all through the abuse scandal but I will not tolerate a politicized global warming, muslime appeasing pontiff.
What about Asia Bibi says
Exactly, and what is the Pope doing to get Asia Bibi out of Pakistan? She has been rotting in a Pakistan prison for 5 plus years for the simple crime of being a Christian and drinking out of the same vessel as a muslim. Why doesn’t he walk in her shoes for a few weeks or months and realise the pain the followers of his religion go through.
What is the Pope doing for Christians in Syria? Nothing.
All instruments of power- politicians, religious leaders are forcing evil into their countries.
I refuse to vote for the Liberal Party here in Australia whilst they have such a reckless policy of immigration of 12,000 Syrian muslims. Everywhere muslims go, destruction follows. Maybe the Pope should look at a history book or two – not just the Bible.
Salome says
As long as the disgruntled Liberal protest vote goes in the same direction, we might get at least a half way sensible senator. I’m trending towards ALA.
خَليفة says
The western church doesn’t really like the eastern one.
This is not the best discussion on it, you probably can find a more involved piece.
https://graceuniversity.edu/iip/2011/08/11-08-20-2/
dumbledoresarmy says
Many of the Syrian Christians are Catholics, though. So the history between Eastern Orthodox and ‘western’ Christianity doesn’t apply to *them*.
Marty Birmingham says
Won’t you say that? The West has the problem. There is nothing in our Bible that tells us to lay in wait and ambush Muslims wherever we find them or to behead them as Mohammed beheaded Jewish people. You quote the Quran at every instance. Why don’t you mention the verse of the sword?
Peggy says
Labor is a lot worse. They dismantled the first turn back the boats policy of John Howard.
Yes, Liberals will still keep importing them but at least they don’t have an open door policy.
Best thing is to not give our votes to Labor or Liberal.
Let’s support minor parties who are dedicated to stopping Islamisation of Australia. There is a few out there and there is still One Nation in the mix.
mortimer says
I’m starting a collection to buy Pope Francis a one-way ticket to any Muslim country he likes…let’s be generous everyone! Let’s put Francis up in style so he can find out about Islam first-hand!
He really, really doesn’t want to read Islam’s foundational source texts because…well…he’s far superior to that. Francis gets his information from HIS GUT!
That’s right. Francis is so goshdarn smart, whenever he wants to know about Islam, he doesn’t look it up in a book…no…he looks it up in his GUT!
What could go wrong? So alternatively, will Francis put the 12 non-apostles in apartments next to him in the Vatican?
We’re intrigued how personal he actually is with Muslims? They terrify Western people who live side by side them every day now!
Westman says
I can hardly wait for the ghost-written stories of these families to sprinkle down to us.
Cecilia Ellis says
“Others chanted “Freedom! Freedom!” as they passed by.”
Next week, it wil be “Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!”
Resist says
Bring in more murderers of Christians, killers of jews, rapists of young children etc…This man IS really dangerous
William says
How about the Pope serving them all a delicious Pork Roast that is hand rubbed with a home-ground spice blend of coriander, cloves, bay leaf and served with roasted corn and green beans?
And on’t forget the wine.
Westman says
To be representative, there should be 8 single men, 1 couple, and 2 children. Even the Vatican, it seems, cannot refrain from distorting the reality of mostly men, in favor of showing their largesse for women and children, much like mainstream media’s photos. Maybe passing over the young men is about safety?
And how many Christians were taken? Oh, I forget, they already have Jesus and young Muslim men that want to harass, rape, and beat them. They can always cry out “Freedom!” when a Pope walks by. If exceptionally lucky, some Christian girl can wash the Pope’s feet with tears and dry them with her hair before he departs.
It looks like Pope Francis is either doing a “Mahatma Gandhi” or buying Jihad Insurance. It should well serve the interfaith dialogue.
The three Muslim families will be blessed, indeed.
JawsV says
Dumbest Pope in history. An absolute fool.
Jaladhi says
Pope Urban II is turning over in his grave!!
JawsV says
I looked up Urban. He is the Pope who started the First Crusade (1096-99). He was French, descended from a noble family. To reply to your statement: Yes.
mortimer says
Question 1: Why did oil-rich Muslim countries not care about other Muslims? Where is their compassion?
Question 2: Why did Pope Francis not take persecuted Christian families to the Vatican?
Jaladhi says
He doesn’t think there are any persecuted Christian families just like Obama or he would have certainly brought Christians to his residence! Yeah – LOL…
Marty Birmingham says
Exactly my point. The five oil-rich Gulf states refuse to help fellow Arabs. Only to offer money to build mosques and the nations accepting them proving their only purpose is to spread Islam.
Troybeam says
Just wait till they(Islam) attacks the Vatican, wait till they destroy all the art that has been the pride of the nation, wait till they attack its citizens and tourist, they will blame this Pope, then the government. The Italian mafia may be the nations only hope of saving the nation from Islam.
faraway says
Good luck with that,Troy! The word mafia comes from arabic and they probably learnt their methods of control and violence from the muslims during the islamic occupation of Sicily in the 9th to 11th centuries.
gravenimage says
True.
Marty Birmingham says
I think of Dennis Hopper in the movie explaining to Christopher Walkin how the Moors the population of Sicily!
Angemon says
The difference being that Judas sold out Jesus, he didn’t blew himself up in the middle of supper. Which would actually make a nice politically incorrect SNL sketch.
Jesus – One of you will betray me tonight.
Peter – Surely not I!
Paul – Surely not I!
Judas – ALLAHU AKBAR!!! *BOOM*”.
Probably not – there would be riots and dead Christians in the islamic world.
Oh, there’s nothing to it. Just remove all crosses, cover all statues, get rid of all dogs and pictures, set up loudspeakers to shout out the islamic call to prayer 5 times per day starting at 5 am, and convert to islam. Easy-peasy!
Moria? More like Mordor… (Yes, I know Moriah is a biblical reference.)
Stewart Davies says
“Paul” or more accurately, Saul, was still a zealous pharisee at that time.
Walter Sieruk says
It’s very easy for the pope to be so very gracious about welcoming those Muslim “refugees” or migrants from the Middle East. For the pope will never experience sex assaults and other kinds of Muslims crimes as the people of Europe have. Likewise it’s very unlikely that the pope will ever experience the violence committed by Muslim terrorists as do the European people in their home countries and Germany , France .Norway , Finland Denmark and other such European nations. For the pope lives in his well guarded papal palace behinds the tall strong walls of the Vatican that had been originally constructed to keep Muslim invaders out.
Rufolino says
It is of significance that the Pope is not a European. Since his election he has given little sign that he cares about what is known as “European culture” (except when it is the Catholic Church). But he has also shown scant regard for many of the traditions of the church and the papacy.
It is pretty clear that European culture, which has given the world more than any other culture in history, is something of little importance to pope Francis. He has become a leader in the disastrous move to irrevocably alter Europe by the mass-migration of people from a completely alien culture who will, in the main, never integrate.
It seems that he is an adherent of foolish “multiculturalism”, in which European culture and traditions lose their cherished value and are trashed.
Jaladhi says
He brings 12 lambs or 12 wolves in sheep’s clothing??
JawsV says
Wolves.
billybob says
When you read this story, speak the part of the Pope aloud in your best fake Italian accent…
The Pope was slowly dying, wasting away right before their eyes. The medical team determined there was nothing modern medicine could do to save him. There was but one cure, and they discussed among themselves who should bring this news to the Pope. As a group, they gathered around his bedside… “O beloved Pope, there is but one cure for you… but steady yourself while we explain…We have determined the only thing that can save you is sex with a woman”. The Pope was aghast! It would mean breaking his vows, but the medical team convinced him his mission on earth was too important to be detoured by his condition.
At long last, seeing the reason in their position, the Pope agreed with his doctors, but “with three conditions…” The doctors roused from their despair, and asked, O beloved Pope, just name them…
“First”, said the Pope, “she must be blind so she cannot see me doing this terrible thing.”
“Second, she must be deaf so she cannot hear my screams of pleasure”, and with that the doctors agreed they could find someone who fit the bill, then asked, “and O beloved Pope, what is your third condition?” The Pope said “She must have big tits”.
خَليفة says
Hahaha
Redheart says
I hope they don’t crucify him.
celticwarriorcanada says
There is Tough Love , Unconditional love , Gentle Love etc ! Then there is Just Plain Stupid Love, that Sick,Psycho F antic obsession with the ridiculous ! And then there is Pope Francis !!!
JawsV says
Pope Francis – in a class by himself. Determined to overrun Europe with Moslems.
dumbledoresarmy says
I don’t know why he couldn’t have insisted on offering refuge to Christian families (there *are* a few).
I quote, from the version of this news article that appeared in our ABC news:
Speaking to reporters during the flight home, the Pope said taking in the refugees had been suggested by an aide a week earlier.
“Everything has been done according to the rules, with the agreement of the Greek and Italian governments,” he said.
“They have their papers, and everything is in order.
“I didn’t make the selection. These three families had papers which were in order and it was feasible,” the pontiff said.
“**There were two Christian families but their paperwork wasn’t ready** . [Religion] was not grounds for exemption. All refugees are children of God.”‘
But do the *Muslims* view Christians as ‘children of God’? They do not. The Quran specifically *excoriates* both Jews and Christians for having the heinous effrontery to regard themselves as ‘children of god’.
And isn’t it curious that the mohammedans – masters of deception and finagling and whining and complaining and BS-itting – had their papers all ready, whereas the poor Christians – handicapped by a culture of honesty, and probably having *genuinely* fled from their homes amidst scenes of chaos – did not? Or is it that the Muslims, because they threaten and whine and kick up a stink, or are better at spinning a voluble sob story (and/ or because of the menace implied by their violent fellows) get priority from the bureaucrats (UN apparatchiks and eager NGOs whereas the Christians, less inclined to lie and complain, get ignored and get kicked to the back of whatever queue exists?
“**There were two Christian families but their paperwork wasn’t ready**.
Imagine how those Christians must feel as they see their *persecutors* wafted away to Italy – by the leader of a major Christian church – whilst they themselves are left behind to rot.
I wonder how many Muslims are in charge of assorted bureaucratic ‘choke-points’ by now, among the NGOs and the governmental agencies, busy facilitating the entry of their coreligionists (processing of papers, ‘checking’ – or fabrication – of records, etc) whilst making damn sure that few or no Christians ever get through the red tape? Delaying, delaying, obstructing?
Angry Aussie says
Given they follow the teachings of the Qur’an and their Imams without question (hive mind), there could be a very real chance that they will convert to Catholicism. If that’s the case, their days may be numbered. If they don’t convert, perhaps the pontiff’s days are numbered?
Lion of Judah's Cub says
What about the kidnapped Nigerian school girls, the Syrian and Iraqi Christian refugees, the Pakistani Christians (including Asia Bibi), the Sudanese Christian refugees, etc., etc. ? He is supposed to shepherd his people (Catholics, Christians), that is his role. He is supposed to protect his sheep from the wolves, not bring the wolves into the sheep’s pasture or champion the cause of the wolves.
Ginger says
First off, the old fraud would have known about the plan and his approval would have been sought before he left the Vatican on his ‘mercy’ trip. So there would have been plenty of time to get the paperwork of the Christian families in order. You can bet the Muslims were fast-tracked for this publicity stunt. Secondly, the chosen families will not be housed at the Vatican; they are being handed over to a religious order (before they decide to take off for Germany or Sweden).
There is nothing this conceited old man won’t do to be the centre of attention. As usual he had his personal cameraman videoing his grandstanding and, as ever, he was full-on motormouth on the return flight.
What he’s done isn’t just stupid or ignorant. It is a wicked betrayal of all persecuted Christians.
JawsV says
“the old fraud” ! That cracked me up!
Salome says
The twelve Apostles, the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve thrones of judgment. Of course, after Judas, the Apostles chose Matthias by lot, but Christ himself appointed Paul–so there were then 13. The twelve thrones on which the Apostles will sit to judge the 12 tribes of Israel is in patristic teaching a symbol for completeness or comprehensiveness–i.e., 12 means ‘all of them’. So by introducing 12 Muslims into Europe, His Holiness is symbolising the free admission of all who want to go there.
Salome says
I wonder if they’ll live in his country, and whether he’ll have a mosque built there for them?
خَليفة says
St. Peter’s Mosque ?
Peggy says
No, it’s St Abdul’s mosque soon.
Tim morville says
The 1st chance if they ever had any, would be to slit the lopes throat. Period!!!!
James Foard says
Perhaps the Lord might say to Pope Francis “What thou doest do quickly”. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
John-Marc says
The Christians of the Middle-East are the persecuted and the most to suffer. The Muslims now are having great time to see how the most important Christian leader is behaving so they can continue persecuting Christians because they know nothing will be done to stop their evil deeds. Christiand deserve better than this Pope. I am a Catholic from the Middle-East and I am disgusted.
Barry says
How different to the pope centuuries ago who led one of the Crusafes against the Muslim hordes.
Kach says
Next time it would be nice if the pope brought 12 Christians instead of 12 Muslims I hope he understand`s that Christians take the worst part of the end stick in Syria.
DD says
Popes like this one are just another reason I am no longer a practicing Catholic. He can wash their feet too, as well as kiss my ass.
Jay Boo says
Some people take that a step further and say that they are (no longer) a Christian, which when examined is a ridiculous claim considering …
DD says
No, not me. My alienation started when I was 14 and just kept building. There were just too many things I didn’t like about the church, especially the mind control and being expected to have a priest to intercede for me before God. And then there was the pedophile scandal, and so many other faults. But being a Christian? Always.
Keith says
The pope would be better spending his time visiting those European women and children and families who have suffered rape, sexual assault, murders and other crimes carried out by the “refugees” who are already here. Of course that would go against his declaration that Islam is the religion of peace and should be imported in as large numbers as possible.
James Foard says
Amen
Fred says
Maybe this is the Pope’s way of showing the love of Christ. He is urging us all to do the same. But I also believe that eventually muslims will destroy the west from within. Just because they have so many children.
The women do not work. They have children. They cook, clean and take care of the home. Here in the U.S. most of the women work full time also. This means they have less children. I believe Islam will eventually take over the U.S. I guess the Pope’s message to Christians is to suffer and die a martyr because there is nothing you can do to stop Islam. That’s the message I get anyway.
Jürg Rückert says
This time the Pope was diplomatic.
In July 2013, during his visit on Lampedusa – a wave had killed boat people – he shouted in the micro: „Shame! You Europeans are like the soldiers of Herodes!“
Then, Renzi sent out his fleet to save lifes …
Mirren10 says
As for the Pope’s supposed personal generosity, from what I understand from the article, he will *not* be supporting these migrants from his own income, and they will *not* be staying in his own residence.
But he wants everyone else to pay for these millions of rapefugees out of our taxes, and put up with them living in our civilised communities.
I believe his religion particularly excoriates **hypocrites**.
In a way, I wish they *were* staying in his own apartments. When they blow up, or try sawing his head off, I’d laugh my socks off. It would serve you right, you senile old git.
prudentcharity says
There is a prophesy from the Fatima apparitions which describes what appears to be the Pope climbing up a hill over a body of corpses. This action by the Pope is getting us closer to these apparitions. I think we are in the end times. Our Lady is our only hope. The Catholic Church needs to fully release the truth of this apparition and fully obey it!!! We live in a very disordered time. Go to fatima.org for more info.
UNCLE VLADDI says
So what?!
This is the logical extension of this “Hope-IS-a-Plan!” so-called “religion!”
Being a criminally negligent fraud, lying to one’s self and others, replacing facts with fantasies, pretending one’s opinion is a fact, is what “religion” was always, and still is, all about!
WHEE!
j.p.theo says
Has this pope studied Islam? If not he should. See –
1. http://www.the Center for the study of Political Islam (Bill Warner).
2.The Complete Infidel’s Guide to ISIS (Robert Spencer)
3. America Alone (Mark Steyn)
I could go on and on.
Ignorance on the part of any leader is no excuse. This applies to Obama, Merkel, Trudeau and many more.
Stephen says
He doesn’t care.
Peggy says
Exactly. None of them are ignorant. They have teams of advisors and spies so how can they be ignorant?
They are the enemy.
Fr Agathon says
The heresy of ecumenism under the mask of humanitarian ‘theology’. These ‘hierarchs’ have something in common: Their hypocrisy and the fulfillment of a One World Religion under a One World Government.
Cecilia Ellis says
Fr. Agathon, your analysis describes the Caliphate . . . to a tee! Scary . . .
Fr. Agathon says
Ms Ellis, It is the beginning of a tyranny that the world has never witnessed. Most people are in a deep sleep and are too bound to their greed for pleasure and comfort making them unable to see what is coming.
Cecilia Ellis says
Fr. Agathon, your words are prophetic. Sadly, they are true. It is the perfect storm of evil. We have been warned . . .
Mark A says
With all the Christians being persecuted in Syria and other parts of the Middle East, couldn’t the Pope find 12 Christian refugees to bring to the Vatican?
I’m Catholic and I’m having real doubts about many of this Pope’s actions, this one included.
I think many Muslims will interpret this gesture as a sign of weakness and dhimmi submission.
Stephen says
Yah, Holy Father let’s not take in any Christian refuge families just those who partake in or support jihad. The blood will be on your hands! Pathetic cowardly gesture. Try some good advice. Charity begins at home! Keep stepping on the graves of those who saved Christendom from the Mohameden hoards during the glorious Crusades. Great example!
Stephen says
To all spiritual (esp. the Pope) and temporal “leaders”, a real man doesn’t perform actions that will ingratiate him to his enemies he performs the courageous actions that will cause his enemies to put him to death. See for instance the example of, hmmm, how bout we try Jesus Christ. Just saying!
patriotliz says
I see no difference between this Pope and the Left wing suicidal lunatics…w/ regard to man-made global warming (just ignore that big ball of fire in the sky), totalitarian socialism (road to Hell is always paved with good intentions) and his latest stunt of washing the feet of some Syrian refugees (obvious submission as seen by Muslims) and personally bringing a few of them to Italy where jihadists’ goal is to destroy the Vatican along with Western civilization and what’s left of Judeo-Christian theology. This is the same ol’…if you are nice to them, they will be nice to you and respect you. HA! This is irrational, suicidal and ignorant. The Pope should read the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVVfwoOVvHo
d dallek says
The pope is not christian as while christian text may say love thy neighbour it also says to care for the brothers and sisters in christ first — so he brings in muslims while christians and other non-muslims are slaughtered by muslims across all islamic lands and muslim majority areas. The few non-muslims who make it to ‘refugee’ camps are attacked by muslims, beaten, raped and have property stolen. Often non-muslims are forced to exist outside such camps. All muslims adhere to their text, laws and example of mohammad which displays extreme hatred and violence to non-muslims so why would anyone choose to bring them into any civilized country? Once muslim numbers reach a cetain level the attitudes to others taught in islamic text becomes evident as europe has already experienced. I am sick of these pat-my-back so-called christians who suck up to muslims and fail to criticise islamic ideology and stand back and ignore the violence to others carried out by muslims beginning with mohammad.