Bologna is a city that is famous for its food. It is known Bologna la Grassa – Bologna the Well-Nourished – and is especially known for its pork-based foods: salumi include all cured meats, including salami, prosciutto cotto (baked or boiled ham), prosciutto crudo, salsicce (sausages) of all kinds.
The Feast of San Petronio, the patron saint of the city, is a very important occasion. And it has always been celebrated with pork-filled tortellini, the signature dish of Bologna. But not this year. This year the diocese of Bologna, headed by Archbishop (now Cardinal) Matteo Zuppi, ordered that pork-filled tortellinis would needlessly offend Muslim “guests” and were not to be served. Instead, there would be chicken-filled tortellini. There was popular outrage at this, but Archbishop Zuppi did not back down. He called the protests “unacceptable.”
The tale of the tortellini is here:
The diocese of Bologna, which has ordered Muslim-friendly pork-free tortellini for Friday’s feast of patron saint Petronius, on Tuesday said the row over the case was “unacceptable”.
The diocese has replaced pork, which Muslims do not eat for religious reasons, with chicken in the famed Bolognese speciality.
The curia said “fake news” had been generated on the case and “a normal rule of welcome and respect towards guests has been interpreted as an offence against tradition.
Nationalist leaders including League chief Matteo Salvini have slammed the move saying Italy is forgetting its history and identity….
“I’m reading that there are those who are asking for tortellini without meat. It’s like proposing wine without grapes,” he said.
“Oriana Fallaci was right. The problem is some Italians forgetting their roots, denying our history, from tortellini to the crucifix.” “Should I be the one defending faith and values? I’m a sinner…”, Salvini said on Facebook.
Where did this idea to order “Muslim-friendly pork-free tortellini” come from? One suspects that Muslim clerics in Bologna, who at interfaith gatherings had sized up Archbishop Matteo Zuppi as someone they could manipulate, expressed their hope to him, as ingratiatingly as they could, that pork-filled products would not be on offer at the Feast, for it would disturb Muslims even to have such products on view. And it also possible that Pope Francis himself, ever alert to occasions on which the Church could show its respect for Islam, suggested to Zuppi that this year at the Feast of San Petronio the pork-filled tortellini be jettisoned in favor of other, non-pork products, such as chicken or cheese-filled tortellini.
But why did they have to be banned outright? On airplanes, at weddings, in school cantines, it has long been the practice to offer alternative meals: fish or chicken, chicken or beef, beef or vegan, pork and non-pork, and so on. Why could not the pork-filled tortellini continue to be served, and another dish, without pork, be available for Muslims? Would that be so difficult to achieve?
And if pork-filled tortellini are banned to avoid offending Muslim sensibilities, shouldn’t it then follow that wine – alcohol being forbidden in Islam – should also be banned? Would the diocese agree to that? One suspects that eventually, under now-Cardinal Zuppi, it would.
How will Muslims react to the banning of pork-filled tortellini? The diocese may think that they will have been impressed by this effort at interfaith outreach. Outwardly, Muslims will express their gratitude to Zuppi, but inwardly, they will interpret this ban, triumphantly, as a sign of surrender by the Infidels – one more step in getting them to change their ways to accommodate Muslim desires. Perhaps, after managing as a next step to getting alcohol – wine – banned from public Catholic feasts and celebrations, they will widen their demands, pointing out that Muslims in Italy should not have to endure any processions in public that celebrate San Petronio or, indeed, any other Christian saints. A ludicrous demand, you say? You claim there is no chance the Church would ever agree to this. Don’t be so sure. Given Pope Francis’s insensate desire not to offend Muslims, nothing can any longer be taken for granted.
Look at all the Christmas celebrations in Europe that have been renamed as non-denominational “Winterfests.” Nor is this eagerness to please, or to appease, Muslims, to be found only in Europe. A middle school in Virginia has banned songs mentioning “Jesus” from its annual Christmas concert, as part of an effort to be “more sensitive” toward the increasingly “diverse population” of its student body. That “diverse population” means Muslims. Every such change is seen by Muslims not as an occasion for gratitude, but instead for a relentless triumphalism that will always demand more of the hapless Infidels.
Before this latest surrender by the Church over food, Muslims in Bologna already had marked one great victory over the civilization of the Kuffar. Some may remember that in Bologna’s Basilica di San Petronio, in one of its side chapels, there is a famous fresco by Giovanni da Modena that shows scenes from Dante’s Inferno. One of the details is the figure of “Mahomet” – that is, Muhammad — who is being tormented by devils in the 8th Circle of Hell, as described by Dante. Naturally this depiction enrages Muslims. In 2002, five Muslims linked to Al Qaeda were preparing to blow up the fresco, and the Basilica itself, but were caught just in time. Another group of Muslims with similar plans was also caught in 2006, and their plot also foiled. But the Church then decided to install a grate in front of that chapel, making it impossible to any longer get close to the fresco. Now visitors must strain to view, from that distance deliberately imposed, Giovanni da Modena’s fresco in the ill-lit chapel; the figure of “Mahomet” can no longer be seen. In the end, the Muslims in Italy did not need to blow up the Basilica or the fresco to obtain their aims; the Church created the conditions that render the fresco scarcely visible. Part of the West’s artistic heritage is now off limits because of Muslim threats to destroy it; the Muslims have effectively won.
And what of Archbishop Matteo Zuppi himself, who ordered the ban on pork-filled tortellini? He has been rewarded by Pope Francis, and just a few days after the pork ban was announced, he was elevated to become a Cardinal. Now that Matteo Zuppi has been recognized by the Pope for his Services to Islam, and made a Cardinal, he has uttered his first public remarks in his new position. Those remarks were not about Catholics at all; Cardinal Zuppi’s only concern was for Muslims, their need for a mosque in Bologna, and the further need, as he sees it, to “welcome” the observance of Islamic celebrations in the schools:
“I really think it’s time for a mosque in Bologna. Some people think otherwise but they are wrong,” Zuppi said.
“I also wish Islamic celebrations to be welcomed in schools,” he added, “as already requested by archbishop of Milan Angelo Scola.”
Well done, thou good and faithful servant of Pope Francis. Arise, Cardinal Zuppi. You and he will no doubt find many occasions to defend and promote the faith. “Which faith?” some may still ask. Who knows the answer to that? Oh, you know the answer to that.
esther says
oh gee—–Frances and friend ZUPPI have just spit in the face of Saint Paul
CogitoErgoSum says
Yes, St. Paul and so many others were martyred for their refusal to bow down to false gods and now a Pope and and his chosen minions are doing their best to spread the worship of a false god. Christ Jesus, help us.
FYI says
@CES
I often wonder what would happen if certain visitors came to the vatican….
St Peter..what on Earth is this place?THAT guy is the pope?ya kidding me..
St Thomas..I’m not buying this,do my eyes deceive me?I have serious doubts.
Jesus…What is the smell?..Oh its the “smoke of satan” isn’t it?
Come on guys lets get some pork filled Tortellinis before Bergoglio and his mobsters try to ban it..
Jon Sobieski says
The Catholic Church is lost. Why is Jesus allowing this to happen to his Church?
martin says
Contrary to what your popes and priests tel you, romanism was never His church, in fact roman catholicism has never been christian.
mortimer says
Logical points for Cardinal Zuppi: 1) San Petronio is a Christian saint 2) his feast day is a Christian holiday. 3) Muslims are forbidden to participate in Christian celebrations under Sharia law … under any circumstances. They are forbidden even to send a compliment to a kafir on his holidays.
Conclusion: Regardless of the food that is served … even if it were 100% halal … Muslims may not participate in a Christian festival. There is, therefore, NO PURPOSE served by making HALAL TORTELLINI for a Christian celebration, because Muslims may NOT PARTICIPATE in a Christian feast. (Nonetheless, some Muslims will secretly LOVE the pork tortellini. Let them have the opportunity. It’s a free country.)
mortimer says
FORBIDDEN (HARAAM) TO PARTICIPATE IN CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS – islamqa
“Congratulating the kuffaar on their religious festivals is haraam to the extent described by Ibn al-Qayyim because it implies that one accepts or approves of their rituals of kufr, even if one would not accept those things for oneself. But the Muslim should not aceept the rituals of kufr or congratulate anyone else for them, because Allaah does not accept any of that at all, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“If you disbelieve, then verily, Allaah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you. . .”
[al-Zumar 39:7]
It is haraam for a Muslim to accept invitations on such occasions, because this is worse than congratulating them as it implies taking part in their celebrations.
Similarly, Muslims are forbidden to imitate the kuffaar by having parties on such occasions, or exchanging gifts, or giving out sweets or food, or taking time off work, etc., because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
gravenimage says
True, Mortimer–why would Muslims be celebrating the Festival of St. Pertronius, in any case?
In fact, Muslims have planned several attacks against the church of San Petronio.
Brian Hoff says
Wrong Muslim are allow to attend other religion event. We have families from Lebanon who have both Muslim and Christian than Muslim maintrain family tied. Other Muslim do the same. It just some Muslim take than more extretrm muslim who refine the meaning.
Jeff says
Some nominal Moslems do as they pleas. Such people would be severely remonstrated in an actual Islamic State. Also, as a means of dawah, Mohammedans are allowed to say anything they want to advance the cause of the caliphate.
mortimer says
To Mr. Brian Hoff … I see you are unable to provide an ISLAMIC AUTHORITY who gives PERMISSION to Muslims to attend a Christian FEAST … you merely provide an example of SINNING MUSLIMS who IGNORE THE RULINGS IN SHARIA LAW … they are in fact considered “SINNERS” and “HYPOCRITES” .
RULING FORBIDDING ATTENDANCE AT CHRISTIAN CEREMONIES:
“It is haraam for a Muslim to accept invitations on such occasions, because this is worse than congratulating them as it implies taking part in their celebrations.
Similarly, Muslims are FORBIDDEN TO IMITATE THE KUFAAR by having parties on such occasions, or exchanging gifts, or giving out sweets or food, or taking time off work, etc., because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is ONE OF THEM.” Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyah said in his book Iqtidaa’ al-siraat al-mustaqeem mukhaalifat ashaab al-jaheem: “Imitating them in some of their festivals implies that one is pleased with their false beliefs and practices, and gives them the hope that they may have the opportunity to humiliate and mislead the weak.”
Whoever does anything of this sort IS A SINNER, whether he does it out of politeness or to be friendly, or because he is too shy to refuse, or for whatever other reason, because this is HYPOCRISY in Islaam, and because it makes the kuffaar feel proud of their religion.
Allaah is the One Whom we ask to make the Muslims feel proud of their religion, to help them adhere steadfastly to it, and to make them victorious over their enemies, for He is the Strong and Omnipotent.”
Majmoo’ah Fataawa wa Rasaa’il al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 3/369)
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/947/ruling-on-celebrating-non-muslim-holidays-and-congratulating-them
Brian Hoff … the behavior you described is condemned by the CONCENSUS OF ISLAM …
Ijmāʿ, (Arabic: “consensus”) in Islamic law, the universal and infallible agreement of either the Muslim community as a whole or Muslim scholars in particular.
Prebangian says
This Pope is a threat to the Judaeo-Christian tradition and the good Western governments inspired by the tradition.
Steve D. says
please, there’s no such thing as “Judeo-Christian” anything. It’s a false term meant to confuse. The Jews reject and persecute the very basis of Christian belief. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16
Alexios Comnenus says
This cardinal is destroying the traditions and customs of Catholics in Italy, Bologna and worldwide. Is Islam inclusive to a local Christian tradition? No. This kind of hierarch are in fact undermining the ecclesiastical integrity of the Catholic Church. This bishop is in fact a Judah, who would hand the church over to islam just to please the devil. Many prophesies talk about the malefic changes within the Catholic Church through popes, bishops and priests. Nothing shocks me any longer in the Vatican or worldwide. The holiness is no longer among the prelates, but among the anonymous faithfuls. These are the true dough of the Catholic Faith. We see false prophets and hypocrites behind the ambo, preaching nothing, just bedtime stories in tower to please the liberal and indifferent parishioners.
carolyne says
Why does a Cardinal have any say in a menu or a school? Not believing that a Pope is anything special why should Francis the Stupid reward a Cardinal for his heresy?
Angemon says
Despite islamic apologists assuring Christians that Jesus is a well regarded prophet in islam…
gravenimage says
Good point, Angemon.
Winston says
Who elevates these people? Who gives them authority over the common people? Who authorizes them to tell people what they can eat or what they cannot eat? It’s bad enough that they tell people what they can say and think. Now they tell them what they can eat? It’s idiocy gone mad.
John Mcke says
The Catholic Church has been taken over by humanists and relativism as we know is their favourite mantra. Nancy Pelosi is quite serious (albeit deluded) when claiming to be a commited Catholic. That she and some of the Catholic hierarchy should indeed be ‘commited’ is in fact the reality.
Lotus says
Italy is known for its many different kinds of pasta. I think there is a new one these days: dhimmillini.
Dachlan says
This is they called it a Dhimmitude..Europe collapse from within..
Spiro says
Their thinking — see see the Kuffa
gave in on this we must push harder
On the next item they always give in
Maybe the pope will take some in at the Vatican theres plenty of room
Lydia Church says
“I really think it’s time for a mosque in Bologna. Some people think otherwise but they are wrong,” Zuppi said. UH NO, ZUPPI, THEY ARE RIGHT, AND YOU ARE WRONG!
“I also wish Islamic celebrations to be welcomed in schools,” he added, “as already requested by archbishop of Milan Angelo Scola.” YOU WISH FOR WHAT IS ANATHEMA TO THE ONE TRUE GOD.
THESE RELIGIOUS LEADERS ARE ABOMINATIONS TO GOD!
That is why the devil’s son is promoting them.
gravenimage says
Lydia, there are already at least seven Mosques in Bologna:
https://www.halaltrip.com/mosque-search/?f=Bologna%2C+Italy&l=Bologna&c=Italy
Zuppi probably is hoping for some huge supremacist monstrosity.
gravenimage says
Bologna, Cardinal Zuppi, and That Pork-Filled Tortellini Ban
…………………..
More and more dhimmitude.
Zuppi is President of the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims and has been called an “expert in Christian-Muslim relations” and –and that means cringing appeasement.
mortimer says
Excellent research from GI. EGAD !!! He calls himself and EXPERT??? What preposterous BS.
Zuppi is a fraud … not an expert.
Food is the LEAST OF THINGS that Muslims HATE about Islam.
Save Europe says
I’d visit Saudi Arabia – admittedly, if only paid to do so IF – 1) they build Churches and Synagogues, 2) they sell pork (and I’m a vegetarian, but I believe in parity), 3) Whilst I’m male, non Muslim women could travel there and wear whatever they want 4) alcohol was available, should those wish to partake in imbibing it.
But……..NEVER going to happen!