So is the jihad over? No, just enabled. My latest in FrontPage:
AP reported breathlessly Monday that Pope Francis “embraced the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the prestigious Sunni Muslim center of learning, reopening an important channel for Catholic-Muslim dialogue after a five-year lull and at a time of increased Islamic extremist attacks on Christians.”
Why has there been this “five-year lull”? Because “the Cairo-based Al-Azhar froze talks with the Vatican to protest comments by then-Pope Benedict XVI.” What did Benedict say? Andrea Gagliarducci of the Catholic News Agency explains that after a jihad terrorist murdered 23 Christians in a church in Alexandria 2011, Benedict decried “terrorism” and the “strategy of violence” against Christians, and called for the Christians of the Middle East to be protected.
Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Ahmed al-Tayeb, whom Pope Francis welcomed to the Vatican on Monday, was furious. He railed at Benedict for his “interference” in Egypt’s affairs and warned of a “negative political reaction” to the Pope’s remarks. In a statement, Al-Azhar denounced the Pope’s “repeated negative references to Islam and his claims that Muslims persecute those living among them in the Middle East.”
Benedict stood his ground, and that was that. But in September 2013, al-Azhar announced that Pope Francis had sent a personal message to al-Tayeb. In it, according to al-Azhar, Francis declared his respect for Islam and his desire to achieve “mutual understanding between the world’s Christians and Muslims in order to build peace and justice.” At the same time, Al Tayyeb met with the Apostolic Nuncio to Egypt, Mgr. Jean-Paul Gobel, and told him in no uncertain terms that speaking about Islam in a negative manner was a “red line” that must not be crossed.
So Pope Benedict condemned a jihad attack, one that al-Azhar also condemned, and yet al-Azhar suspended dialogue because of the Pope’s condemnation. Then Pope Francis wrote to the Grand Imam of al-Azhar affirming his respect for Islam, and the Grand Imam warned him that criticizing Islam was a “red line” that he must not cross. That strongly suggests that the “dialogue” that Pope Francis has now reestablished will not be allowed to discuss the Muslim persecution of Christians that will escalate worldwide, especially since an incidence of that persecution led to the suspension of dialogue in the first place.
What’s more, his dialogue partner, al-Tayeb, has shown himself over the years to be anything but a preacher of peace, cooperation and mercy: he has justified anti-Semitism on Qur’anic grounds; and called for the Islamic State murderers of the Jordanian pilot to be crucified or have their hands and feet amputated on opposite sides (as per the penalty in Qur’an 5:33 for those who make war against Allah and his messenger or spread “mischief” in the land. Al-Azhar was also revealed to be offering free copies of a book that called for the slaughter of Christians and other Infidels.
Will the Pope during al-Tayeb’s visit to the Vatican again affirm his respect for Islam and contempt for Christianity? Will he convert to Islam before al-Tayeb, or just offer his submission and a jizya payment?The Times of Israel opined that Monday’s Vatican meeting was a “sign of improved ties between Catholic Church and Muslim world.” Really? Where? Muslims have massacred, exiled, forcibly converted or subjugated hundreds of thousands of Christians in Iraq and Syria. Have these “improved ties” saved even one Christian from suffering at the hands of Muslims? No, they haven’t. All they do is make the “dialogue” participants feel good about themselves, while the Middle Eastern Christians continue to suffer. In fact, the “dialogue” has actually harmed Middle Eastern Christians, by inducing Western Christian leaders to enforce silence about the persecution, for fear of offending their so-easily-offended Muslim “dialogue” partners.
Has the Pope welcomed any of the persecuted Christians to the Vatican? Or is that honor reserved only for this man, who will allow for “dialogue” only when his Christian “dialogue” partners maintain a respectful silence about Muslim massacres of Christians?
This Pope is a disgrace to the Church, to Judeo-Christian civilization, and to the free world.
“Leave them; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14)

Don McKellar says
I fully expect this Pope to make a conversion to Islam and then maintain that he’s still a Christian.
But then again, he probably has no idea what moslems believe and what is written in their “holy” books. If he did and he were really a Christian he wouldn’t get anywhere near this monster.
Polk1970 says
HIS Pope,Jorge the Argentinian Jesuit,is NOT the legitimate Pope.
Popes DIE,, They do NOT RESIGN
Considering everything Pope Jorge has done ,with immediacy ,it’s obvious that Benedict was REMOVED in a Vatican Coup
WHY is Benedict NOT in Germany,his native Land?
WHY is Benedict ,”somewhere in Italy”,being GUARDED by the Swiss Guard, who could if only “protecting” him ,could protect him in Germany?
Don McKellar says
That is all very interesting! I’m starting to enjoy this whole Pope debacle, There may be something to what you say. It really is all very suspect in any case. Much like Obama’s moslem fetish and denial and endless orchestrating and enabling of jihad around the world and America.
garegin says
Pope do resign.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_resignation
gravenimage says
True–it is rare, but has occurred.
Mirren10 says
This evil Pope obviously has *no* belief in Christianity. If he did, he would be worried about his own salvation, and would never cuddle up to these vile and vicious monsters.
Lia says
And he hopes that left hand on his white tunic has been WASHED ?
John Galt III says
Evil Fool who presides over a child molesting institution masquerading as a church.
We need another Martin Luther to drag another 500 million adherents from this useless organization.
Rev g says
I hate to break this news to you, but priests are no more likely to be pedophiles than are your next door neighbors.
It is tragic that there are such sickos in any portion of our society, however the priesthood is not more prone to them.
That any priests are so inclined is terrible, and that they were shielded from prosecution is criminal.
Still, those offenders are not representative of the priesthood. I guess the media got you on that one.
And no, I am not Catholic, nor a priest.
gravenimage says
John Galt III wrote:
Evil Fool who presides over a child molesting institution masquerading as a church.
………………………….
Calumny. This pope is a fool, yes–but that does not make your characterization of Catholicism accurate. Are you unaware that Robert Spencer himself is a devout Catholic?
More:
We need another Martin Luther to drag another 500 million adherents from this useless organization.
………………………….
More calumny. The idea that Protestants were forcibly converted is just utterly false. What do you you think Lutheranism is–Islam?
Mark Swan says
In today’s world of not just the Muslim movement, but so many other real world problems piling up, It does seem probable that the Bishops are aware that they need a strong and effective leader, if so it is conceivable they may encourage this present Pope to resign—He is nearly 80 and too far from impressive.
In Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Austria, and Sweden, too, the popularity of populist, anti-EU, anti-migrant right-wing parties is on the rise—many fear the eventual failure of the peaceful, integrated, globalized, supranational state that is the EU, and the rise of nationalist regimes which could form their own alliance, and many others seem to welcome this change now—the eastern European Nations could join in—this could portend a very formable alliance in Europe’s very near future.
The Church has always kept a finger on the pulse of Europe—with so much in flux and at stake it may very well re-position itself for this change as it continues.
gravenimage says
Mark, I’m afraid a lot of Catholic bishops are as “politically correct” as is the Pope. I think it would have to be the cardinals who would have to act, in any case–and I rather doubt that they will.
john spielman says
the Pope embracing islam and the spirit of the antichrist
ie is to me; ( to quote Martin Luther ) neither Pope nor catholic! – catholic meaning the Church( people who belong to Jesus
john spielman says
that should read ..HE IS TO ME NEITHER POPE NOR CATHOLIC
Paul says
Egyptian Muslims are not Arabs or true Muslims they are a Mostly a Coptic bunch who surrended to Islam out of fear from Islamic ruling.
WorkingClassPost says
The longer this farce goes on, the clearer it becomes that Benedict was ousted in some kind of Vatican coup.
Does it therefore follow that the True Pope is under a kind of’ house arrest’?
It may seem far fetched, but this putrid fawning is sanctioned by the bishops and is now papal policy, so how could Benedict fit in such a scheme? He could not, or perhaps, would not.
I’m reminded of my childhood, when many strange ( at least, that’s what we thought) people used to walk the streets with placards and sandwich boards, proclaiming ‘ Repent, the end is nigh’.
Methinks it’s getting more nigh with every passing day.
Polk1970 says
.The longer this farce goes on, the clearer it becomes that Benedict was ousted in some kind of Vatican coup.
Does it therefore follow that the True Pope is under a kind of’ house arrest’?”
Somewhere in Italy ,NOT in his native Germany?
WHY is Benedict NOT in Germany??
WorkingClassPost says
I guess he’s being kept where they can control him.
Does anyone know what he is doing? I have seen nothing, not that I’ve been looking, to be fair.
Polk1970 says
They’ve really got him stashed away, ,incomunicado.
Is he a captive of The Swiss Guard?
duh swami says
Was the photo taken before or after the kiss
So the Pope gave the Mufti a smooch…what’s wrong with that?
The Pope is just taking orders from Allah…If Allah didn’t will it, it would not
happen…
Polk1970 says
Well,that certainly beats out “Hitler’s Pope”
Westman says
“Ahmed, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Let’s celebrate with roasted Christian and a glass of Jizya”.
Submission to a bully ideology never pays off.
Polk1970 says
With a camel urine nightcap
Mark Swan says
Yes, but just a shot, that stuf caries a punch.
Diane Harvey says
Ya know ya got the wrong kinda pope when your pope sends “a personal message to al-Tayeb. In it, according to al-Azhar, Francis declared his respect for Islam and his desire to achieve ‘mutual understanding between the world’s Christians and Muslims in order to build peace and justice.'”
Respect for the Devil’s religion!!!
Polk1970 says
The visual is the “Islamic Conquering of Rome”
ISIS “promised it”,then came the “migration”INVASION,and now THIS.
And WHERE is Pope Benedict?
NOT in his native Germany?
linnte says
You got it! But the best visual of Islam conquering Rome is the Pope washing the feet of Muslims and CHOOSING to make a grand exhibition out of it. I wonder what his immediate staff think about this? Are they aware of the ramifications? Are they in agreement?
This will cause a great schism in the Church. I wonder what American Catholics are feeling?
Mark Swan says
linnte we can be sure,I think, that Image did not go well with many.
Polk1970 says
REVULSION
Alexius Comnenus says
A Pope to embrace a muslim imam or whatever is antichristian, its like drawing pearls in the pigs mouth to quote the Scripture.
I am incline to accept the idea that Pope Benedict XVI was forced out but a Vatican style coup.
Pope Benedict expressed magnificent during his speech in Regensburg what Islam is after all. He was right because Islam’s god is not a true God. A true God cannot accept violence and genocide. Its against any reason.
Pope Frances made confusing statement which raised a lot of questions in regard to his Catholic Faith.
I am a Roman Catholic and I disagree with Pope Francis stance on many aspects of Faith. I am very concern.
CeltictotheBone says
Irish Catholic here. Old Frankie sucks big time. I wish the assclown would bugger off back to Argentina and do some gardening.
Laurelmary cecilia says
Alexius…….. just to clarify what you said…. ” I disagree with Pope Francis stance on many aspects of Faith.” This current pope has not said anything OFFICIALLY with regard to the Faith. The Faith is the same – always will be !! This Pope has – however – given many personal opinions that both you and I vehemently disagree with, tho. So, we disagree with Bergolio (AKA Pope Francis) but not with the Eternal Faith of the One, Holy Catholic Church
Polk1970 says
Think of two things here:
1)WHERE is Pope Benedict,the TRUE Pope?
2)WHY is he incommunicado “somewhere in Italy” and NOT in Pastoral Retirement in his native Germany?
Pong says
Laurelmary cecilia.
I vehemently disagree with many things, which Stalin and Mao said and did, but communism is still a great idea and no metter what people do in its name, it will remain so. After all, who needs facts when they have faith.
Stephen says
Wouldn’t it be nice if this Pope had half the respect for his predecessor as he does for these vile murderous, genocidal, slimy Imans?
Polk1970 says
His predecessor should not be his predecessor,but siting on the Throne of St.Peter in the Vatican, in the Vatican being Pope.
gravenimage says
Robert Spencer in FrontPage: Pope Embraces Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar
………………………..
How dare you filthy Infidels notice that Islam is hideously violent? That is an obstacle to “peace”…
Edward says
Pope Francis should have checked the veracity carefully of Muhammad’s lineage claims that he was part of Abraham’s family tree before any of the Pope’s dialogue, so the talks will not be in vain!
‘IS MOHAMMED A DESCENDENT OF ISHMAEL?’
http://religionresearchinstitute.org/mohammad/ishmael.htm
Carmel says
If Abraham ever exist , yes. Me , so to say , i’m decendent of Robin Hood.
Keys says
From the post: “the Grand Imam warned him that criticizing Islam was a “red line” that he must not cross.”
His red line has been drawn with the blood of Christian martyrs.
gravenimage says
So true–and the blood of many other victims.
*No one* should be lauding Islam.
Stephen says
“His red line has been drawn with the blood of Christian martyrs.”
And how sadly this Pope will refuse to cross it!!! Does anyone know how Francis explains why he is not guilty of the blood his newly found friends shed?
Polk1970 says
And WHOSE RED Line is crossed with the shedding of Christian Blood?
Donovan Nuera says
Exactly. More Christian martyrs in this last century than in any prior century….only getting more and more with islamicists running rampant and without any restraint. Most C&E Christians don’t understand their sacrifices and don’t bother to know their names. They have no idea what Copts and Chaldeans or Pakistani Christians have to fear each day and night. Most Christians, especially European ones, whose parents were aided during WWII by divine help against the Nazis, are pallid, coffee-wine sipping drones with empty lives who are addicted to TV and ever-more-lame music. Their priests and pastors are PC wussies all preaching kumbaya and not realizing that that kind of preaching doesn’t grab the attention of one’s soul or fill one with any holy passion. He have the typical “Match.com” young people:”Spiritual but not religious” populations who want to show off their touchy-feely side without actual devotion. They would probably not care if, let’s say, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was bombed and razed to the ground…but if their favorite café or arts cooperative “space” was closed, Sacre Bleu!. They ignore their once-honored ancestors who built Europe from nothing. It is bad enough young Americans don’t know any history prior to 1992, but with “history” at everywhere one turns in Europe, what excuse do young Euros have? Leftists are associating with people whom, if they were actual devout Christians, would be branded as “theocrats and bigots”…except for their exotic veils and chanting while getting prayer bumps make them seem cool. Have they also already forgotten the meaning behind the commandment “Never again!” with all their BDS agiprop? In fact, we have stopped choosing “Goodness (virtue)” as a main goal in life and have chosen “Coolness”. We can only hope that the various Churchillian leaders like Wilders and those in Poland, Hungary, and Czech don’t lose hope.
mortimer says
We are being expected to submit to the dhimmi law of Islam. Dhimmis may not mention Islam without losing their ‘protection’. At that point, they may be murdered by any Muslim.
Westerners have no idea of the existence of this law in the Sharia.
KrazyKafir says
Pope Karl the 1st is truly the consummate dhimmi. From this moment on, his picture should be placed beside the word dhimmi in every dictionary.
mortimer says
This visit will do nothing more than extract a vow of silence from Pope Francis to refrain from criticizing Islamic terrorism without any improvement in the human rights or security of Christians.
The will submit to the Dhimmi contract with no assurance that life will be safer for Christians in Muslim-majority countries.
The grand imam of Al Azhar has no authority to force Muslims to comply. He will not send out a fatwa for them to spare Christians and churches from destruction. This is merely an empty gesture.
I agree Robert Spencer has suggested that and is correct.
Polk1970 says
Robert knows them better than than they know themselves.
Angemon says
Indeed.
Alexius Comnenus says
I agree with you as a Roman Catholic.
Michael Laudahn says
What an embarassing photo. Does this pope actor really not realise what kind of poodle he becomes?
Rich says
“This Pope is a disgrace to the Church, to Judeo-Christian civilization, and to the free world.”
I agree completely.
Jay Boo says
Start the music
“You lead and I will follow, Ahmed “
Bear Tom says
Dear Robert,
As you well know, Intellectual Pride is no new phenomenon amongst Jesuits. They, perhaps more than others, are likely to suffer from this. It’s the selection process. To be a Jesuit you have to have higher than average IQ. So you start off convinced of your own superior intelligence. A number of them have succumbed. A couple of recent ones spring to mind: De Chardin and Karl Rahner. Both were advised by the Church of presenting erroneous or dangerous doctrine, but full of their own brilliance they continued on as before in disobedience and error. Intellectual Pride.
There are others, non-Jesuits, as well. Leonardo Boff, a Franciscan, was suspended and censured. The second time he left the priesthood in a huff. Edward Schillebeeck, a Dominican, though advised by many notifications from the Vatican to stop writing against Church teaching, continued always in the same vein denying truths of the Faith. Hans Kung was stopped from teaching as a Catholic Theologian, but continued anyway because he “knew” he was right.
Now to Jorge. First the Pride. Notice just a few days ago he made an about face on violence in Islam. Someone must have bashed it into his head. But when he was obliged to publicly admit his ignorance of the subject, pride jumped in and he came up with the equivalence to Christianity as though there is really nothing wrong with Islam’s violence because Christ ordered it for Christians too, and Jorge knew it all along. And he loves the big public acts to convince others of his humility. I think Jorge has always had this problem, but it is exacerbated by “rash pronouncements”. It seems that this rashness was not identified and eradicated in the novitiate, and he has always thought of it as a virtue, to have a quick response, rather than a vice. When elected Pope, he thought it was his quick tongue that the Holy Spirit was promoting. So now, unfettered by controls, such as a religious superior might impose, he can finally give vent to what he sees as his best natural ability – opening his mouth up before putting his brain into gear.
gravenimage says
Not all Jesuits are appeasing Islam and sucking up to vicious Muslim clerics.
Mark Swan says
No they are not
Polk1970 says
However,those Jesuits are NOT the Pope.
Mark Swan says
No they are not
Mahendra Singh says
The pope looks like a baby in the hands of the grand sheikh.
Michael O'Neill says
How can any Christian respect Islam, which claims Jesus is not the Son of God and did not die for our salvation?
Islam is by definition anti-Christian.
gravenimage says
It’s worse than that, though, Michael. This Pope is not just showing “respect” for a non-Christian religion, but one that stands for everything evil, and is responsible for the slaughter of Christians and other innocent people.
Mark Swan says
So Sadly So
Walter Sieruk says
Pope Frances needs to take a lesson from Franklin Graham . For that imams is a representative of the world of darkness which is Islam , Isaiah 8:20. and also the works of darkness. Meaning fruits of Islam, Matthew 7:20. For Franklin Graham would have nothing to do with a grand imam or any imam.
Graham would instead do Biblical thing and expose the awful doctrinal errors that imam holds to and teaches. For the Bible contains the instruction in Ephesians 5:11. which reads “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” [K.J.V.]
Champ says
So true, Walter! Great comment.
gravenimage says
Franklin Graham–son of evangelist Billy Graham–is certainly savvy about Islam:
“Franklin Graham: ‘Islam is a religion of war'”
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/franklin.graham.islam.is.a.religion.of.war/43986.htm
This article specifically contrasts his views with that of the Pope, who was at the time had been praying facing Mecca alongside Grand Mufti Rahmi Yaran in Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
Wellington says
Were I a devout Catholic it would break my heart to see that such a fool has become Pope. I would also be inclined to wonder what the hell God was up to.
Pong says
I know how you feel. It is like having a dreem of a beautiful place only to wake up and see that you are in a garbage pit.
Keys says
After meeting with the Pope, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar granted an interview to Vatican media. His answers to Questions 4 & 5 are interesting here:
https://zenit.org/articles/interview-with-grand-imam-of-al-azhar/
Keys says
Cecilia Ellis just posted parts and the same link below. It is worth reading #4, as well.
Cecilia Ellis says
Keys, it looks like you and I were posting at about the same time. I did not realize that you had posted the link. My apologies. However, it is nice to know that there is someone else who shares the same concerns.
Keys says
Cecilia Ellis – nice to meet you, and I am sure we have the same concerns after reading your other posts.
When I went to check my post, yours was already there and more complete. You might want to try out for the Jeopardy gameshow. “What is Islam?” for a thousand, Alex. ?
Cecilia Ellis says
Keys, my friend, your words are kind, but you must know that, compared to others who frequently post comments here on this website, I am a freshman. There are so many more who really know so much more about Islam than do I. My saving grace is that I know where to go to look up information. In the end, I may not be able to describe evil, but I know it when I see it.
linnte says
Cecilia, if you’re a Freshman then I am still in elementary school! There are some amazing minds on this blog.
gravenimage says
Thanks for posting that, Keys. #3 is of interest, as well, where we find this meretricious Grand Sheikh implying that all the violence in the world is caused by secular philosophy, and by extension that Christians should make common cause with the very people–Muslims–who are enslaving and slaughtering them. *Ugh*.
Keys says
Glad to occasionally add to the mission, gravenimage.
What the Imam said to the Vatican interviewers does not square with what he has said in the past, if I correctly recall Robert’s reports of his earlier statements.
gravenimage says
Just a lot of mealy-mouthed Taqiyya from this Imam, Keys.
Glad to read your contributions here.
Mark Swan says
“Allow me to say something in this declaration: yes, terrorism exists, but Islam has nothing to do with this terrorism, and this applies to Ulama Muslims and to Christians and Muslims in the East. And those who kill Muslims, and who also kill Christians, have misunderstood the texts of Islam either intentionally or by negligence.”
Once again—Jihad does not exist because of Islam and the Quran…
Cecilia Ellis says
In case you are curious about what subjects were discussed between the Grand Imam and Pope Francis, here are extracts, quoted verbatim from a transcript of a meeting held between the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Vatican media, subsequent to the imam’s meeting with Pope Francis on May 23, 2016:
“Interview With Grand Imam of al-Azhar
Following Meeting Between Pope, Leading Authority on Sunni Islam Spoke to Vatican Media
MAY 24, 2016
Francis with imam from al-Azhar
L’Osservatore Romano
Yesterday, after the audience in the Apostolic Palace, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Professor Ahmad Al-Tayyib, granted an interview to the Vatican media. It took place at the residence of the Eyptian ambassador to the Holy See, and two reporters from Vatican Radio participated: Fr. Jean-Pierre Yammine, head of the Arabic Section, and Cyprien Viet, from the French Section, along with Maurizio Fontana of L’Osservatore Romano. The interview was recorded in audio and video by Vatican Radio and the Vatican Television Centre, and took place entirely in Arabic. It was translated into Italian by the Arabic Section of Vatican Radio.
1- John Paul II was the first Pope to visit the Grand Imam of al-Azhar during his visit to Egypt as part of the Great Jubilee of 2000. Today the Grand Imam is the first to visit the Pope in the Vatican on the occasion of the Jubilee of Mercy. What is the meaning of these important events?
In the name of Clement and Merciful God, I would first like to convey my thanks to His Holiness Pope Francis, for having welcomed me with my delegation from Al-Azhar, and for the warm welcome and affection reserved to me. Today we pay this visit as part of an Al-Azhar initiative, and the agreement between Al-Azhar and the Vatican to continue our holy mission, which is the mission of religions: “to make human beings joyful everywhere”. Al-Azhar has a dialogue, or rather a commission for interreligious dialogue with the Vatican, which was suspended in specific circumstances, but now those circumstances no longer exist, we resume the path of dialogue and hope that it will be better than before. And I am happy to be the first Sheikh of Al-Azhar to visit the Vatican and to sit alongside the Pope in an encounter of discussion and understanding.”
“3- What are the duties of the great religious authorities and religious leaders in today’s world?
These responsibilities are heavy and grave at the same time, because we are aware, as we said also to His Holiness, that all the philosophies and modern social ideologies that have taken the lead of humanity, far from religion and far from heaven, have failed to make man happy or to take him far from wars and bloodshed. I believe that the moment has arrived for the representatives of the Divine Religions to participate strongly and in a concrete way to give humanity a new direction, towards mercy and peace, so that humanity can avoid the great crisis we are suffering now. Man without religion constitutes a danger to his fellow man, and I believe that people now, in the twenty-first century, have started to look around and to seek out wise guides to lead them in the right direction. And all this has led us to this meeting and this discussion, and to the agreement to begin to take a step in the right direction.”
“5- The Middle East is experiencing great difficulties. What messages would you like to give us in this regard, on the occasion of this visit to the Vatican?
Certainly. I come from the Middle East where I live and I suffer, along with others, the consequences of the rivers of blood and cadavers, and there is no logical reason for this catastrophe that we are living day and night. Certainly there are internal and external motivations, whose convergence has inflamed these wars. Today I am in the heart of Europe and I would like to make the most of my presence in this institution, so great for Catholics – the Vatican – to launch an appeal to the entire world so that it can unite and close ranks to confront and put an end to terrorism, because I believe that if this terrorism is neglected, the price will be paid not only in the east; both east and west could suffer together, as we have seen. Therefore this is my appeal to the world and to the free men of the world: to come to an agreement immediately and to intervene to put an end to these rivers of blood. Allow me to say something in this declaration: yes, terrorism exists, but Islam has nothing to do with this terrorism, and this applies to Ulama Muslims and to Christians and Muslims in the East. And those who kill Muslims, and who also kill Christians, have misunderstood the texts of Islam either intentionally or by negligence. A year ago Al-Azhar held a General Conference for Ulama Muslims, Sunni and Shiite, and invited the leaders of the Eastern Churches, of various religions and confessions, and even the Yazidi sent a representative to this conference under the aegis of Al-Azhar. Among the most salient points of the joint declaration, it was said that Islam and Christianity have nothing to do with those who kill, and we asked the West not to confuse this deviant and misled group with Muslims. We said with one voice, Muslims and Christians, that we are the masters of this land and we are partners, and each one of us has a right to this land. We have rejected forced emigration, slavery and the trade in women in the name of Islam. Here I would like to say that the issue must not be presented as persecution of Christians in the East, but on the contrary there are more Muslim than Christian victims, and we all suffer this catastrophe together. In summary, I would like to conclude on this matter by saying that we must not blame religions because of the deviations of some of their followers, because in every religion there exists a deviant faction that raises the flag of religion to kill in its name.”
“[Working translation from the Italian translation of the Arabic original]”
The entire transcript may be viewed at the following link:
https://zenit.org/articles/interview-with-grand-imam-of-al-azhar/
gravenimage says
Thanks for posing this, Cecilia.
The Grand Sheikh said:
3-…Man without religion constitutes a danger to his fellow man…
……………………………..
Absolutely *no* recognition, of course, that the main threat to peace worldwide is not those without religion, but those who fervently embrace Islam. Of course this pious Muslim cleric would never admit this, because he agrees with it.
More, from the link of the full piece:
4- The University of Al-Azhar is engaged in important work in renewing scholastic texts. Can you tell us something about this project?
Yes, we renew them in the sense that we clarify the Muslim concepts that have been deviated by those who use violence and terrorism, and by armed movements that claim to work for peace. We have identified these erroneous concepts, and we have offered this as part of a curriculum to our students in middle and high schools…
https://zenit.org/articles/interview-with-grand-imam-of-al-azhar/
……………………………..
This implies that Al Azhar texts for schools are Anti-JIhad–but nothing could be further from the truth:
“Among the most prominent Al-Azhar skeptics is Egyptian TV anchor Ibrahim Essa, who argues that the institute’s curriculum is in some ways ideologically indistinguishable from what ISIS promotes. He has supported his claim by pointing to an excerpt from a book used at Al-Azhar high schools, Persuasion: On Decoding Abu Shuga’s Terms/Expressions. In a January 2015 TV program Essa noted how this text claims that fighting infidels, even if they have not attacked Muslims, is a religious obligation for every able and free Muslim man. The rationale is that since infidels do not convert to Islam even though Islam is a well-known religion, then Muslims should attack and kill them whenever possible. This reasoning seems to differ little from the calls of ISIS encouraging Muslims to kills those who do not believe in Islam.
Another disturbing parallel between ISIS and Al-Azhar philosophies is the justification of sexual slavery…”
http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-ideological-extremism-of-al-azhar
Lots more ugliness in the article above. Does Pope Francis understand that this is where Al Azhar stands? Will he find out? Don’t count on it…
More:
…we seek to offer an answer to those who take opportunities and wait in ambush to sow disorder, divisions and conflicts between Christians and Muslims.
……………………………..
Uh huh–even though Al Azahar says openly that all Infidels should be attacked and conquered by Muslims. How many of Pope Francis’s flock know *that*?
More:
“5…yes, terrorism exists, but Islam has nothing to do with this terrorism, and this applies to Ulama Muslims and to Christians and Muslims in the East.
……………………………..
Right–even though this Sheikh also agrees that all Christians should be attacked by Muslims.
More:
…it was said that Islam and Christianity have nothing to do with those who kill, and we asked the West not to confuse this deviant and misled group with Muslims…
……………………………..
This is the gist of this whole grotesque exercise–to fool the West into believing that Islam is benign, and has nothing to do with the evil done in its name.
More:
We have rejected forced emigration, slavery and the trade in women in the name of Islam…
……………………………..
A bald-faced lie. From the Washington Institute article I linked to, above:
“Another disturbing parallel between ISIS and Al-Azhar philosophies is the justification of sexual slavery. Ahmed Abdo Maher, a lawyer and Islamic researcher, claimed in August 2014 on the TV talk show El-Ashera Masaan that Al-Azhar defends a Muslim military leader’s right to order captured women to sexually gratify his male troops.
The statements of Dr. Soaad Salah, the former dean of the Islamic studies faculty for women at Al-Azhar University, have supported Ahmed Abdo Maher’s assessment. In a 2014 airing of her TV show, The Woman’s Fiqh, she contended that Muslims have the right to enjoy sex slaves, or ‘melek al-yamen,’ when Muslims conquer non-Muslims. She informed her viewers that, “If we [Egyptians] fought Israel and won, we have the right to enslave and enjoy sexually the Israeli women that we would capture in the war.” This mirrors the rationale used by ISIS to justify the sexual abuse of Yazidi women in Iraq…”
So he is saying Al Azhar rejects exactly what it *supports*.
More:
Here I would like to say that the issue must not be presented as persecution of Christians in the East, but on the contrary there are more Muslim than Christian victims, and we all suffer this catastrophe together…
……………………………..
I’ve always found this a particularly grotesque argument. It is saying that Christians and other Infidels should not complain about Muslim violence against them, because Muslims regularly declare Takfir on each other so they can butcher each other.
That would be like Nazis arguing that Jews should not complain about the Holocaust, because, after all, other Fascists suffered as well on the Night of the Long Knives…
But how many will understand this–or else just, as urged by the Pope, to swallow this Taqiyya without question?
Keys says
Thank you for all your informative posts today, gravenimage.
You are keeping it clear. As one poster here says: “Stay sharp”!
Cecilia Ellis says
Absolutely!
linnte says
ALL YOU POSTERS ARE SO AWESOME! Except Charlie, he has a lot to learn! Hahahaha! I am so grateful for you all! Except Charlie, cuz he’s confused. ?
gravenimage says
Hi Keys, Cecilia, and linnte. Good to correspond with you all.
John Marst says
And the money quotation from the Grand Imam’s message: “Yes, terrorism exists, but Islam has nothing to do with this terrorism.”
At which, Pope Dhimmi the First nods approvingly, no doubt. And to which, the Christians of Syria and Iraq would undoubtedly disagree as they drown in their own blood.
gravenimage says
All too true.
Carmel says
Dear Francis , do me a favor . Please F*** OFF!
Troybeam says
This Pope has turned his back and the people of the Catholic Church had pay close attention and demand that something be done about him, Islam would like nothing more than take the Vatican and destroy it and this Pope has open the door for them to do so.
common sense says
What can even be done with this Pope? Every Christian agrees he should be doing everything he can to help to protect Christians yet he appeases someone who would pass out literature condoning and maybe even directives to slaughter Christians and Jews. There is something seriously wrong with this Pope, he can’t possibly represent me to Jesus or God. Truly heart breaking!
I guess he won’t call for a crusade which is what I’m Really hoping for. As much as I like being informed I’d rather do something about the Jihad problem.
Dallas Penziour says
We hear more and more about Democracy and the need to implement it around the world. Well how come the Archbishops’ and Popes position isn’t voted on by those that follow those religions? Is it because its a closed club or a despotic organisation that excludes the will of its followers. We all know that both these men would lose a vote if it was held among the faithful. There just like all the world politicians, Hypocrites.
SoliDeoGloria says
May I respectfully remind us all how this whole sad saga started?
The meeting was convened to “heal the fracture” (as an Italian media outlet put it)* caused by the previous Pope Benedict (ever wondered why he was relieved of his post??).
In January 2011 Pope Benedict had the audacity to denounce and criticise the New Year’s bombing of a large Coptic church in Alexandria, while over a 1.000 faithful were celebrating the event. At least 21 innocent Christian believers were massacred by the blast and many more wounded.
Several other world leaders denounced and criticized the bombing of the church **; somehow the Imam took umbrage at the Pope’s criticism and stated that Benedict had no business in meddling in what was an internal domestic affair.
While Benedict had the courage of his convictions and rightly showed leadership and Christ-like compassion (even though the church and its faithful were not Catholic), Jorge Bergoglio shows no such leadership whatsoever, preferring and choosing instead to play right into the hands of a follower of a false god and its equally false prophet.
Please forgive me if at this juncture I mention another name that comes to mind, as I think of this present day event in the heart of the Vatican – Judas Iscariot.
* http://www.ilfoglio.it/chiesa/2016/05/22/ci-sar-tanta-realpolitik-nellincontro-tra-il-papa-e-limam-di-al-azhar___1-v-142313-rubriche_c201.htm
** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Alexandria_bombing
gravenimage says
Good post.
Mark Swan says
Yes—SoliDeoGloria—thank You.
Lord Wrath says
Catholicism is dead… It died when they stopped saying mass in Latin and let you eat meat on Friday…
Keys says
@ Lord Wrath “Catholicism is dead”.
LW, those words came from inside you. It may be true for you, but do you really believe that’s true for millions of others?
Whose church dies because most of its priests stop praying mass in Latin?
————
The Holy Spirit says (in Latin) “No Latin mass, so I Am Who Am oughta here! And when 2 or 3 of you gather in remembrance, don’t expect Jesus to be there either. Not comin’ to your fish fries anymore, and your school kids are on their own now unless you put the Latin back”.
John Chapter 6.
“Do you wish to leave me too?” “To whom shall we go?”
Sergio says
Catholicism hasn’t been a Christian religion for centuries. What did you expect? The forbade people to read the Bible. They burned unauthorized Bible translators alive. They introduced blatantly heretical doctrines such as the veneration of Mary and the Saints (which is 100% idolatry in real life Catholicism), the purgatory, the Pope’s infallibility, salvation through works, etc. Condoning the murder of Middle Eastern Christians is just one more drop into a huge stinking ocean.
gravenimage says
This is not Catholicism Watch–and not all popes have been as suicidally foolish as has this pontiff.
Wellington says
Wise up, Sergio. Take your anti-Catholic ignorance elsewhere.
CTL says
At last got to the comment box ,
Here is somethng to MULL over ,
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjP9f3W_PTMAhUKM8AKHZBfC1oQtwIIHDAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dll0otULYzms&usg=AFQjCNGA0pOkfD5K89IY-cKKOIQxivp7bg&sig2=GMfBGjDPA0dp-1Tu5m4I8g&bvm=bv.122676328,d.ZGg
Keys says
CTL
Battle of Lepanto
firefox says
I do not understand what this Pope is thinking, but do know that what he’s been doing to appease Islam is wrong and will produce no good results. And if history repeats, Islam will not stop until they are stopped.
The Pope and Obama both seem to have drank the kool-aid at the same party attended by every liberal and the NWO.
Fred says
They will know we are Christians by our love. I think this is what the Pope is doing. As long as he doesn’t become servile or scraping.
linnte says
Fred, we all most certainly hope so!