Pope Francis continues to argue for two interrelated points that, while seemingly humane, compromise Western nations and expose their citizens to danger.
He reiterated his first point earlier this month when he said, “I appeal not to create walls but to build bridges.” Francis has made this appeal frequently, both figuratively (when imploring Western nations not to close their doors against more incoming Muslim migrants) and literally (for instance by characterizing Donald Trump’s proposal to build a U.S.-Mexico wall as “not Christian”).
In this, the Catholic pope appears unable or unwilling to make the pivotal distinction between violence committed in accordance with Islamic teachings, and violence committed in contradiction of Christian teachings.
But there’s another relevant and often overlooked irony: every morning Francis wakes up in the Vatican and looks out his window, he sees a very large and concrete reminder that gives the lie to both his argument against walls and his argument in defense of Islam. I speak of the great walls surrounding Vatican City, more specifically the Leonine Walls.
Context: A couple of years after Islamic prophet Muhammad died in 632, his followers erupted out of Arabia and conquered surrounding non-Muslim lands in the name of Islam. In a few decades, they had annexed two-thirds of what was in the 7th century Christendom. They took all of the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain, until they were finally stopped at Tours in central France (732). By the late 9thcentury, jihadi incursions had transformed the Mediterranean Sea into a Muslim lake; the major islands — Sicily, Crete, Rhodes, Malta, Cyprus — were conquered, and the European coast was habitually raided for booty and slaves.
According to the most authoritative and contemporary Muslim chroniclers — al-Waqidi, al-Baladhuri, al-Tabari, al-Maqrizi, etc. — all this was done because Islam commands Muslims to subjugate and humiliate non-Muslims.
It was in this context that, in 846, Muslim fleets from North Africa landed near Rome. Unable to breach the walls of the Eternal City, they sacked and despoiled the surrounding countryside, including — to the consternation of Christendom — the venerated and centuries-old basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul. The Muslim invaders desecrated the tombs of the revered apostles and stripped them of all their treasures. Pope Leo IV (847-855) responded by building large walls and fortifications along the right bank of the Tiber to protect the sacred sites from further Muslim raids. Completed by 852, the walls were in places 40 feet high and 12 feet thick.
Further anticipating the crusades against Islam by over two centuries — and thus showing how they were a long time coming — Pope Leo decreed that any Christian who died fighting Muslim invaders would enter heaven. After him and for the same reasons, Pope John VIII offered remission of sins for those who died fighting Islamic invaders. Such was the existential and ongoing danger Muslims caused for Christian Europe — more than two centuries before Pope Urban’s call for the First Crusade in 1095.
Today, many Muslims, not just of the ISIS variety, continue to boast that Islam will conquer Rome, the only of five apostolic sees — the other four being Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Constantinople — never to have been subjugated by jihad. Similarly, Muslims all throughout Europe continue exhibiting the same hostility and contempt for all things and persons non-Islamic, whether by going on church vandalizing sprees and breaking crosses, or by raping “infidel” women as theirs by right.
In short, Pope Leo’s walls prove Pope Francis wrong on both counts: yes, walls are sometimes necessary to preserve civilization; and yes, Islam does promote violence and intolerance for the other — far more than any other religion. This fact is easily discerned by examining the past and present words and deeds of Muslims, all of which evince a remarkable and unwavering continuity of hostility against “infidels.”
Perhaps most ironic of all, had it not been for Pope Leo’s walls — and so many other Christian walls, such as Constantinople’s, which kept Islam out of Europe for centuries, and Vienna’s, which stopped a full-blown jihad as recent as 1683 — there might not be a pope today to pontificate about how terrible walls are and how misunderstood Islam is. And when Francis accuses those who build walls of not being Christian, as he did of Trump, he essentially accuses men like Pope Leo IV — who did so much to protect and preserve Christendom at a time when Islam was swallowing up the world — of being no Christians at all.
David says
I will believe him when he tears down the vatican walls and opens his residence to the illegal invaders. an we now see why the previous pope chose to “retire?”
NYgal says
In the end, he will do exactly that – he will tear down Vatican’s walls and invite the invaders inside. He is the man who cheerfully accepted that Judaism and thus Christianity have no place in Jerusalem, that the the city belongs solely to the Muslims.
Since, as UN decreed, there was no Jewish Jerusalem and no Jewish Holy Temple in it, but extension, there was no Jesus, and thus no Christianity. The Pope is perfectly all right with that.
Frank says
His intentions is not evil but his knowledge of Muslims is absent minded. Arab muslims must be removed from our democratic country because they have no lloyalty to our flag .
Shane says
This Pope is just another left wing traitor who is aiding the muslim enemy by encouraging Western countries to take in massive numbers of muslim refugees and immigrants. He is also a Socialist and the worst Pope in my lifetime.
Patricia A. Gallagher says
And no Catholic hierarch (or hesiarch) can claim ignorance of the goals of Islamic supremacism.
Halal Bacon says
Muslims are indifferent to blowing up walls, bridges or churches.
Salome says
I’m not so sure. I think churches (especially full ones) give special pleasure.
Pastor C says
I AM ABOUT TO SAY SOMETHING MANY, IF NOT MOST OF YOU, HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE AND WILL, PROBABLY, NEVER HEAR AGAIN!
Civilizational jihad is only symptomatic of a much, much deeper reality.
At its core, the whole of humanity is, presently, engaged in the ancient and perpetual conflict that exists between good and evil, right versus wrong, God and Satan. It’s been that way since the dawn of time.
So, don’t be deceived!
The real war, in which we are engaged, is spiritual; and is, fundamentally, being waged in the heavenly realm. This biblical truth pertains and applies to all human and angelic conflict.
Spiritual warfare manifests itself in many forms (social, political, economic, religious, cultural, etc) and does so on differing levels in varying dimensions of human and angelic activity. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
Therefore, the discerning, spiritual recognition of this crucial and critical component of our struggle must be prioritized within our hearts, our homes, our churches, our communities, our houses of State, our military, our Congress as well as within our White House.
The willingness of true believers, in Christ, to rend the heavens and engage the conflict at its source will determine its eventual outcome.
So, if we are wise, we will not, solely, rely upon mere military might to defeat our Islamic foes!
The God of heaven is on our side. Question is, “Are we on the Lord’s side?!”
At this point, tragically, we are not!
America must turn in repentance to and depend upon the omnipotent power of Almighty God to be our Shield and Defender-which, unfortunately, most (in our once-great nation these days) are simply unwilling to do!
The very survival and future of our Republic is at stake! But, tragically, unless we soon turn back to God (as a nation), we will perish!
Patricia A. Gallagher says
Well stated! May I quote you?
mortimer says
It is doubtful that Frank has read the KORAN, because there is violent language on nearly every single page. However, it is certain Frank hasn’t read the SIRA, HADITHS, TAFSIRS or manuals of SHARIA LAW or ISLAMIC HISTORY. If he had, he would not ASSUME that Islam is a religion of peace and accept no contradiction to the claim.
DOES HE EVEN KNOW THE NAMES OF ISLAM’S MAIN PRIMARY TEXTS??? Nahhhh.
FRANK is just GUESSING, SURMISING, BLUFFING, PRESUMING, SUPPOSING, RECKONING, CONCLUDING and FEELING STRONGLY… that he knows Islam BETTER than those who read and studied Islam’s PRIMARY, SOURCE TEXTS.
FRANK is GUESSING AND BLUFFING… that is unacceptable in a pope.
FYI says
He’s probably never read it …..as he once famously said…
“Authentic islam and the proper reading of the koran are opposed to every form of violence”
pope francis
In fact…a proper reading of the koran reveals that authentic islam is pretty well delighted to condone every form of violence…
“Terrorize and behead those who believe in scriptures other than the koran”
koran 8:12
“Maim and crucify the infidels if they criticize islam”
koran 5:33
And my favorite…
“Punish the unbelievers with garments of fire,hooked iron rods,boiling water,melt their skin and bellies”
koran 22:19
And many,many more….
Have you noticed that every time we see a picture of francis these days his hat is being blown off or a gust of wind suddenly appears..?God must be planning something..
J_not_a says
That one is great but is the springboard to even better but I can’t remember quite where it is or exact words but goes something like: We want your burnt up flesh to heal anewvso we can pour boiling water on it and burn it and freshly torture you all over again (because once just isn’t enough for these sickos).
miriamrove says
This pope is a joke to say the least. m
Patricia A. Gallagher says
Unfortunately for us Catholics, Pope Francis is no joke.
FYI says
According to Ayatollah Khomeni,neither is islam(a joke):-
“There are no jokes in islam.There is no humor in islam.There is no fun in islam”
To which I would add..There is no point in islam.There is no hope in islam….
Uriah Sheep says
This pope is not ignorant.
This pope is not stupid.
This pope is not incompetent.
This pope was deliberately chosen by
his sponsors to replace an ordinary pope
whose agenda was totally incompatible
with the people who control the Vatican now.
Uriah Sheep says
I think we have to keep away from the comments that the pope is stupid, doesn’t know Islam, the Koran etc etc. This man is on a mission and it’s on schedule.
DFD says
Exactly!
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Bill says
I like to refer to him as Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Just observe his words (what he says and, as importantly, what he does not say) and his actions as you would any other leftist/Communist politician and he becomes very predictable and understandable. Stop thinking of him as “Pope” with embedded expectations that come with those trappings, and treat him like any politician. That is what he is. That is all he is.
It was very telling to me that the biggest fear that Roman Catholics in China have is that Bergoglio is going to rat them out and turn them in. Isn’t that something?! They have every reason to be concerned, Communism is his religion and Communists help other Communists.
marina says
Somebody should give the Pope a history lesson about Leo’s building of walls to keep out Mozlem invaders. I wish he would retire and a more reasonable replacement would be found. This appeasement is getting insufferable.
Angemon says
Well, that’s the crux of the problem, isn’t it?
Walter Sieruk says
First, there are strong tall wall is surrounding the small nation that is Vatican City. Second , if my understanding history is correct , one of the main reasons for the construction of that wall in the first place was that those wall were built as a safeguard to keep Muslims out. Third, the pope will readily agree that Vatican City is an actual nation .A small nation but nevertheless nation . Therefore , the pope should mind his own business of taking care of his country and not interfere in the business of nation that is even across the sea. . The pope in the head on his small nation [Vatican City ] and should tend to it Likewise, Donald Trump is the President should tend to the USA. After all criminals and jihadists sneaking across porous borders from Mexico into America will only endanger the lives and safety of American citizen and not the citizens ,Catholic clerics, of Vatican city. In addition to all this, it also should be remembered that the job of President Trump is not to please the pope and make him happy. The job and duty of President Trump is to ensure the the safety and protection of the American citizens.
Cynthia says
Well said
Rebecca Rose says
I am a Catholic, this pope is not my pope. He is a fake pope, a puppet. He and his masters are globalists. Not all Catholics are fooled. He seeks to degrade the church and give it away. He is not of God.
Bill says
I am right with you on this. Unfortunately there is no practical or effective means of registering dissent within the Roman Catholic Church organization. Our American Bishops are all in the Bergoglio camp. You can choose to go along or not. Bergoglio’s comments the other day were telling. Basically, he said that we could all just be his kind of “Catholics” or be atheist. He might just as well have said. “my way or the highway” or “love it or leave it”.
Historically, I often wondered what really caused so many people to embrace the Great Schism. It all seemed so improbable, but it happened sure enough. I understand better now.
Carlos Danger says
Catholics need to get over the fear of “offending” their local parish clergy and speak up as well as vote with their wallets.
Cynthia says
I’m confused too and will pray for him. Let Peter be our Rock for now and stay strong fellow Catholics
Buford says
There is a Mental Defect with this guy or he just plain Nuts either way he needs to be removed & replaced every statement he makes regarding Muslims screams NWO
Cynthia says
He is driving me crazy too
Salome says
New papal title: His Dhimmitude.
Cynthia says
Haha
Richard Paulsen says
Very few muslims in South America and Latin America. He could tell them to accept into their countries. Mexico for example. Preferably telling the world Europe has had enough.
Pray for Europe.
Richard Paulsen says
Is he not happy islam becoming the second religion in Sweden? 1 Protestantism 2 Islam 3 Catholicism.
How about in all of Europe and U.S.A. or even number one?
Here is what happens helping muslims. Paramedics needing body armor and helmets being thrown rockets and even handgrenades on them. Happening at least once a weak.
Police refusing help.
Interview with the chairman of Swedish Ambulance driver´s Union. Subtitles in English.
gravenimage says
Yes–Muslims are thugs who *attack ambulance drivers and EMTs*. Just barbaric.
Richard Paulsen says
Right.
Rufolino says
But – but – you’ve got it wrong, Frankie told us “there is no danger” ! I don’t understand !
Richard Paulsen says
He´s got it wrong.
somehistory says
The wild beast from satan came up “out of the sea.”
This guy, worker for satan and his beast, should take a “long walk on a short pier.”
Christians are tired of hearing from this fool and his demon inspired speech.
RationalVoice says
He doesn’t get it ,does he.???? Someone send him the relevant quotes from the Islamic texts which clearly shows it is a religion of war, conquest, persecution and cruelty. It is not just the texts either. They practice it every day in countries like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan etc, etc not to mention Daesch !!
Christians are being persecuted. This is not ordinary crime this is the practice of an evil religion !!
He must know this but choses to ignore It !!!
Cynthia says
I know crazy times
Eric Jones says
According to Catholic doctrine how can a Pope legally be removed from office?
Eric
billybob says
I found your question intriguing, and input it in its entirety into Google search. I found an authoritative answer that was very wordy. Finally, half way down the page, I found the answer. Then it should have been a simple matter to copy and paste the answer into this comment. However, much to my annoyance, it was impossible to select the relevant paragraph in order to copy it via the usual Ctrl-C. It was rigged in the Javascript to prevent any copying. Then I went to the Developer Tools in Chrome and to view the page as HTML. You can usually always at least copy and paste text from there, but of course you need to clean it up a bit where you paste. However, the text failed to appear in the html console. Finally, I tried the print command, and was able to copy the text from the print preview. Here is you answer…
There is nobody on earth who has the authority to make an official determination that the Pope is incapacitated and must be removed, or that somebody else should henceforth govern in his place. It simply cannot be done.
The fact is, if a Pope were to become so debilitated that he actually became incapable of governing the Church, and was so physically and/or mentally incapacitated that he couldn’t even resign his office, nobody could step in and take charge. There is absolutely no legal mechanism that would permit any cardinal, or even the College of Cardinals together, to decide that the Pope is no longer sui compos and somehow to take charge themselves.
http://canonlawmadeeasy.com/2013/01/31/pope-removed-from-office/
gravenimage says
There is no official mechanism, billybob–but I would not be surprised if the Cardinals had quietly stepped in now and again over the centuries and simply presented the pope as ill and indisposed if, for instance, dementia had set in.
That is unlikely to happen in this case, though–at least for now. The pope is not sick or insane–he is just, like so many in the West, compromised by denial and dhimmitude.
billybob says
“I would not be surprised if the Cardinals had quietly stepped in now and again” You make a good point. With all these Popes being so old, it must have happened many times.
Adrian Johnson says
He is, thanks to the Freemason traitor cardinals in the Vatican, a creature of the New World Order, The UN , and the movement towards a “one world church” initiative. the late and prophetic Fr Malachi Martin (d. 1999) described the last pope of this era, who would “be under the influence of Satan.”
On U-tube, look for “Malachi Martin / Last Pope” and listen to this old radio interview. Fr Martin’s description fits Pope Francis to a T. In other interviews with Bernard Jansen, he gives descriptions of the church we are in now; and how to survive when it gets much, much worse.
Cynthia says
Good question
Adrian Johnson says
St Charles Borromeo is the expert (a doctor of the church, I think) on it. I understand a lot of people have been googling his name along with “heretic pope” so I know you’ll find something. Have fun.
Carlos Danger says
The Holy father is more concerned about the hajjis than he is about the remnants of Catholic Europe who have supported rome for centuries.
Maybe he can use some of the royalty money from his papal tee shirt biz to bring more Muslims to Italy.
shoehorn says
Bring back Benedict XVl
gravenimage says
Seconded–not that we have a say.
Cynthia says
Yes yes yes
gravenimage says
Raymond Ibrahim: Pope Francis Tears at History’s Walls against Islam
……………………….
Those who don’t learn from history etc etc
Frank Anderson says
With great respect, I believe the quote you keep missing is “Those who cannot remember the lessons of the past are condemned to repeat them.” Jorge Santayana, Essay on the Life of Reason (1905).
gravenimage says
Frank, I do indeed have that quote memorized–it is not that I could not remember it. I was deliberately paraphrasing it to touch on the reference to history in Raymond Ibrahim’s article title.
I guess I was being a bit too clever here, and that some readers just assumed I was ignorant of the precise phrasing of Santayana’s quote.
Thanks for the head’s up in any case.
Frank Anderson says
To me this is a forum that calls for courtesy and respect whenever possible. I wish to promote those attributes hoping to get others to do the same. There is serious work to be done that requires serious analysis and introspection. I regret some who seem less than capable of deeper thought. My best wishes to you and all others seeking to gain knowledge and promote victory over evil. My lifetime of study, nearly 60 years, convinces me of both the truth and wisdom of Santayana’s quote, which may have appeared other places much earlier.
Mark Swan says
That Quote is the Truth, Frank Anderson, and worth remembering.
Carolyne says
Here’s another of Santayana’s quotes: “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
When one gives a mortal man the power to tell you what God really wants, it is time to put your hand on your wallet and slowly back out of the room. In regard to the wallet, 28% of the income of the Vatican comes from the US, the largest amount from any other country. Those of you who do so, why do you support this grandiose lifestyle of the Vatican hierarchy? Jesus was a poor man, no jewels, no grand robes. He was a carpenter who rode on a donkey to his fate, if one believes in myths. Yet these men, and they are only men, live amidst imaginable wealth with women serving them their every need. Do you see nothing wrong in this?
This particular Pope is, IMO, an agent of evil. If there were a devil, he would be a follower.
Cecilia Ellis says
Sadly, tomorrow — February 28, 2017 — will be the fourth anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s departure from Rome.
https://zenit.org/articles/february-28-marks-the-fourth-anniversary-of-benedict-xvis-renunciation/
gravenimage says
Thanks, Cecila–actually, it feels longer…
Ismael Jose gomezmayora says
I’m a catholic priest and I don’t agree with the pope.
This pope has brought confusion in our church. He overlooks the God’s law.
It seems that the pope does not know what is islam.
Islam is not a religion::: it is a political movement disguised as a religion for
the purpose of subjecting the nations to the law of mahoma, a false prophet.
Cynthia says
The priests whisper their dismay to me in the confessions too. Our faith is stronger than our confusion
Carolyne says
Isn’t it required of Catholics to obey your pope? He is telling you to commit suicide. Isn’t suicide a serious sin in Catholicism?
John A. Marre says
The current pope is delusional.
Cretius says
This Pope is one of the useful idiots of Islam. He lives in denial and has such has betrayed his religion and western democratic culture and institutions.
Ken says
When are people gonna’ get it. Roman Catholicism is not Christian. It is pagan sun-god worship all dressed up in westernized Hebrew names. A Muslim is someone who follows Muhammad and does what he said to do. A Christian is someone that follows Yahshua (Jesus) and does what he said to do and there are a billion Catholics that can’t even “NOT call no one father.” Matthew 23:9