When will this gesture be reciprocated? Never. “Interfaith dialogue” is not conducted in search of genuine religious rapprochement. It is designed simply to make Christians feel good about how Christlike and non-bigoted they are (in their own view), while the Muslims can go away satisfied that the Christians are again submitting to them.
The principle is always and everywhere the same: in Muslim countries, one must conform one’s behavior to suit Muslim sensibilities. And in non-Muslim countries, one must conform one’s behavior to suit Muslim sensibilities.
“Leave them; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14)
“Pope Offers Halal Meal on Third Day of the Poor,” by Juliana Freitag, ChurchMilitant.com, December 14, 2019:
Pope Francis’ annual meal with the poor in St. Peter’s Basilica took place again last month, gathering 1,500 people in the Paul VI Hall during celebrations marking the Third Day of the Poor. For the first time since the Sunday lunch with the poor was established in 2016, a meal observant of other religious restrictions was served: The menu offered a bolognese lasagna without pork (an essential ingredient in the centuries-old recipe). Wine was absent from the table as well.The adjustment was announced by Msgr. Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization: “There’s no pork in here, so all guests can eat with no problems.” According to newspaper Il Giornale, this was a “precise choice desired by Pope Francis.”
A Nod to Muslims
The Pope’s inspiration was his Italian counterpart Cdl. Matteo Maria Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna, who last October, on the feast of St. Petronius, patron saint of Bologna, made headlines for the archdiocese’s choice to offer the public a Muslim-friendly version of tortellini, a traditional bolognese pasta filled with raw prosciutto, mortadella (a pork-based bolognese luncheon meat) and pork loin. As an alternative to the classic recipe, the archdiocese offered a chicken breast filling option, an unheard-of modification.
Taking into account that this has never been conceded to the Jewish community (which also doesn’t consume pork), and the political tone that has accompanied both Pope Francis and Cdl. Zuppi, these particular gestures have been largely interpreted as a signal of deference to the Muslim community.
Several outlets branded the lunch a “halal meal,” with The Daily Muslim describing it as follows: “Pope and Islam dialogue with lasagna: Pope Francis served pork-free sauce lasagna … for those who follow the Koran. A rigorously halal menu was provided in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican.”
Newspaper La Verità deemed the absence of wine a much graver issue, not only because “it’s anti-Christian, but also because it is a profanation of the Wedding Feast at Cana, a symbol of Christ that the Church has hidden. … And ‘if anyone is ashamed of me and my words … the Son of Man will be ashamed of them'” (Mark 8:38).
The celebrations for the feast of St. Petronius of Bologna, which originally inspired Pope Francis, had the “welcoming of immigrants” as theme, with the festivities being led by an art group whose performances were focused on a project about open borders.
Opposition leader Matteo Salvini made it clear that changing the tortellino recipe was an “attempt to cancel our history, our culture,” to which the archdiocese of Bologna promptly replied, calling the controversy “unacceptable fake news.”
Salvini wasn’t the only one to claim disrespect for tradition. Apolitical bolognese chefs have also expressed their disapproval. Ivanna Barbieri, director of the Italian Federation of Chefs, said, “For us, the tortellino is sacred. We have so many other options in Bolognese cuisine, something else could have been chosen.”
Pasta chef Alessandra Spisni said that “tortellini are only the classic ones. If one desires to do something different, they shouldn’t be calling it ‘tortellino.‘ This is our tradition, and we can’t change it to please everybody.” Alberto Salvadori, president of the Confraternity of Tortellino, even called for a boycott.
Ultimately, the initiative was proven pointless, since “only two or three Muslims” actually purchased the chicken tortellini.
Cardinal Zuppi allowed for the modification of a traditional dish that’s been part of Bolognese Christmas lunches ever since the 12th century to cater to members of a community who weren’t even interested in attending an all-day Catholic festivity in the first place.
Vicar general of the archdiocese of Bologna, Msgr. Giovanni Silvagni, explained:
We have introduced this innovation in order to allow everyone to consume one of the main symbols of our city. … The shape of the tortellino reminds us of something that embraces everyone, just like when becoming cardinal, our bishop’s duty will extend over the borders of the diocese and embrace the entire world. Our tortellino is the symbol of how, setting off from Bologna, Zuppi will also take care of the general Church….
CogitoErgoSum says
I guess the Pope had some money left over even after financing the recent Elton John movie. At least there were no transgender strippers providing “cultural enrichment” for the guests.
Zara pilt says
This ‘Pope’ is not a Christian I don’t know what the fuck he is.
Lion heart says
He is a useful idiot because after all , he is considered nothing but a filthy infidel according to the religion of Satan ( Islam ) . I wonder if any Muslim imam would do the same thing to poor Christians !!!
FYI says
You might be interested in the Prophecy of St Francis of Assisi..
“In those days Jesus christ will send them,not a true pastor,but a destroyer”
Why?
To separate the faithful{who will keep their faith despite such heresies from Rome} from the unfaithful{who will go along with the errors of “pope” francis}
Remember that official Catholic prophecy{and The Gospel also} predicts this.
James says
The trouble with making such concessions is that they are made above all out of fear. They know the Muslims can get violent when they are offended, and almost anything that is not muslim offends them. So there is no end of their offendedness, until the whole world bows down to Allah, and the Pope is no exception. He should start memorizing muslim rituals and prayers and perhaps he can draft a syncretic Musolic or Catholem theology that does not offend Muslims and seems almost Catholic to Catholics. Eventually all the Christian elements can be eliminated and the church can start putting up minarets around former churches and start installing loudspeakers to broadcast the call to prayer everywhere in Rome and the whole world.
John Lloyd Scharf says
It it were made out of love instead of fear it would be in line with the Scripture written by Paul, but it is not or they would have made an issue out of it for Jews and 7th Day Adventists.
Marina Eick says
Under this infallible pope Catholics are being shamed into dhimmitude. It’s like the schoolteacher on the playground berating the bully’s victim for not being nice to his tormenter.
John C. Barile says
Yes, though he’s not infallible. Duplicitous and deliberately ambiguous, he’s never yet defined any dogma, so the charism of infallibility isn’t the issue here.
ntesdorf says
Sorry Christians, there’s no pork or alcohol for you at this year’s Muslim winter Fest. Pope Francis is positioning himself to succeed the incumbent as Grand Mufti of Jerusalem.
paul 316 says
No pork in the lasagna?! NO wine?! That pope IS out of his mind. My grandmother would be furious as will my mother when she finds out. For me I continue to wonder why people embrace the “church” when leadership is so delusional , I wouldn’t attend a meal with the pope, he is so lost with his pious decisions in relation to the muslims, among other atrocities that remain unattended to.. They are laughing at him and all those who are allowing this Baal worship to continue in the name of chrislam. So much for defending the faith in the name of Jesus. Oh, that’s right for the Catholics it’s about the “church” … not so much Jesus. Get out while you still can , receive Jesus as the Way , the Truth , the Life and denounce the catholic church.
Thomas Richard says
Yesterday, he washed their feet……..Tomorrow, he’ll be sucking their big toe!
paul 316 says
Right! Did he get to lick the fingers of the musi’s thus making sure he didn’t lose any blessings from the food, that is, if they let him.
WPM says
I think he is sucking another organ further north of the big toe ,he is kissing it with all his SJW South American communist heart.
Wellington says
Arguably the most destructive Pope in the entire history of the papacy. If truth prevails (a big “if”), such will read, should read I would contend, as his legacy.
This foolish, silly, ignorant man has done great harm to the Roman Catholic Church—and by extension to all the West. Perhaps permanent harm. Yes, he’s this awful.
To all Roman Catholics, know that I as a totally non-religious person want the Catholic Church to be in the forefront of defending the greatest civilization of all time, Western Civilization, of defending freedom and calling out evil for what it is. Ain’t happening now, and considering this Pope’s many appointments of men as Cardinals and Bishops, who most likely think like him, we are talking here of possible permanent destruction to the Roman Catholic Church because long after Francis is dead many of these doofuses, who will be very high up in the Catholic Church, will long outlive this egregious excuse for a Pope.
Anyone who cheers this real possibility is a fool at best since as the Roman Catholic Church goes, so goes Western Civilization. Rather the same as with Israel, as with so many Protestant and Orthodox clerics who keep shilling for Mo’s creed. Thus, any Protestant and Orthodox Christians who don’t “get” what I have just written are themselves part of the problem. Hugely and tragically and stupidly so.
James Lincoln says
Wellington,
I think that nearly all of the Jihad Watch readers “get it” – the West in general, not so much…
Rob says
How will Muslims in the West ever assimmilate if they are continually put into cotton wool?
PS I get it they won’t assimmilate will never be expected to.
Battle says
“Taking into account this has never been conceded to the Jewish community, (which also doesn’t consume pork), …” -Juliana Freitag of churchmilitant.com
Juliana Freitag hits nail on head. Good. +100
gravenimage says
+1
Carolyne says
But the Jewish community never threatened to kill you if you served pork.
gravenimage says
So true–nor have vegetarians.
Peter WF says
Not following the example set by Jesus.
Carol the 1st says
Citzen Go is seeking 1,500,000 signatures. It seems Netflix has bought some rights from an anti-Christian Brazilian group and now plans to release their film depicting Christ as a homosexual, Mary as adultrous, and the disciples as unruly alcoholics.
https://www.citizengo.org/en-gb/rf/175927-ask-netflix-cancel-film-depicting-jesus-homosexual
Peter WF says
When will the pope lead by example and settle refugees and migrants in the vatican?
Carolyne says
If you are holding your breath until that happens, I suggest you start breathing.
Alexious Comnenus says
As a Catholic faithful, I denounce the pro-islam acts of this Pope. He is a disgrace to the Universal Church and will give an account to the Almighty God. Unfortunately until then, this anti-Catholic Pope continue to destroy the Church.
Prayers are needed.
FYI says
There ARE Remnant Catholic groups who oppose this pro-islam,pro-globalist “pope” and they want their church back:he is introducing errors into Catholicism which are deemed heretical by many.
If you want to know why this is happening,from within catholic prophecy look at the famous prophecy of St Francis Of Assisi.
GreekEmpress says
As an Eastern Rite Catholic I find this pandering outrageous.
The pope is supposed to feed the lambs.
Not feed the lambs to the wolves.
Tom says
I wish we had a real Pope again.
James Lincoln says
Agreed, Tom.
I never realized how good Pope Benedict XVI was – until Pope Francis came along…
FYI says
St Patrick”s Cathedral in NY francis said about Jesus Christ..
“His life,humanly speaking,ended in failure..the failure of the cross”
“humanly speaking” indeed:What an insult to Christians….and a denial of the whole point of the Passion of Christ.
Only that imbued with the spirit of antichrist would utter such an evil lie.
It is no wonder he is pro-islam!
Quazgaa says
From what I read, the pope was very afraid he would be the last pope from Malachi’s prophecy.
He might as well be.
gravenimage says
I doubt it. There was a vogue for this sort of thing in the 16th century–Nostradamus is the best-known. This 1595 work was supposed to by the 12th-century Saint Malachy, but these “prophecies” are quite accurate up until–you guessed it–the end of the 16th century. After that, not so much.
Of course, no popes have been identified by name for the past 500 years in this work. This is the passage some have tried to apply to Pope Francis:
“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.”
Of course, Pope Francis is not named Peter, nor is he himself Roman. His birth name is Jorge. Some have claimed that his father’s name was Peter, but this is incorrect as well–it was Mario. The closest you get is that his father *was* Italian–but he was not born in Rome, but in the Piedmont region.
Also, this passage does not imply that “Peter the Roman” is a bad pope–just that the leads the Catholic Church during end times.
All in all, a pretty slim reed…
gravenimage says
Pope’s annual meal for the poor features no pork or wine to avoid offending Muslims
…………………
Sickening dhimmitude. Jews and vegetarians have never been “offended”.
It would be one thing to offer pork-free or non-alcoholic options–but to deprive the needy of the traditional food they would in most cases most like in order to avoid “offending” those who want to attack and murder them is appalling.
Rufolino says
This is despicable appeasement of an evil cult. It’s unbelievable what the Catholic Church is now doing..
gravenimage says
It’s pretty grim, Rufolino.
sidney penny says
It is a Christian festival and a meal for the poor Christians.
Are there not enough poor Christians to feed?
Why would any Muslims want to take part in it?
gravenimage says
Christians do not turn away non-Christians. But that does not mean that they have to bend over backwards to avoid “offending” the people they are helping.
John says
the pope is SATANIC FOLLOWER OF ISLAM, OUST IT now
Carolyne says
Wasn’t the gang of twelve drinking wine at the last supper which turned into blood? And didn’t Jesus turn water into wine at the wedding in Canaa? Why has the Pope turned his back on Christian beliefs to join a bunch of barbarians? If wine were evil, wouldn’t Jesus have said so?
Infidel says
Why didn’t the Pope remove pork while welcoming the Jews? They would have been a lot more deserving of such a gesture
underbed cat says
Yes, that is true they the Jews would not complain.and would have less to eat…at least the Pope could have wine and keep his cross visible, curious what he did to accommodate the Muslims from viewing a cross if he wears one. Churches don’t exist in S. A. and in other Islamic countries such as Turkey, the seized church Sophia Hagia, a architectual wonder, had arabic disks to cover Christian symbols that could be seen when Obama visited…that are being removed permanately and was turned into a mosque. It was seized long ago. Love on another but flee from evil persuasions.
Pete says
The Pope offends me.
Mike Lassiter says
I have been a Catholic for some 10 years now, but I my history degree tells me this is the predicted false pope.
Giacomo Latta says
If the pope is ashamed of everything that Western society, in particular Christianity, is doing or has done then why has he not resigned? He is doing everything but ask all Catholics to stop being Catholics.
Spiro says
The Vatican charity peters pence only 10% was going to the poor the rest for Vatican debit according to recent news reports
Maybe if they could get controll over their spending they could help the poor more than a once a year dinner for poor Christians
He needs to wake up to the real world
MJP says
Why he caters to these vile demonic creatures is beyond me when you are feeding them they they should have no say whether they eat pork beef fish or foul if they do not like pork they should not be there where do you draw the line? they hate everything Pork, Bikini’s Dogs, Beer, & all Non Muslims & this idiot is kissing their rear ends
s says
aside from the Eco sins our man who believes himself God can now create Islamophobia sins… the smoke of Satan is now ruling the church
Tony Vullo says
This is a terrible precedent, as the pope is obfuscating & diminishing the Eucharist. What about the “fruit of the vine and work of human hands, this will become our spiritual drink…” integral component of the Eucharistic celebration?
Jim says
In their attempt to “reach out” to Muslims, did they also tell them that Jesus died for their sins? Surely the “Vicar of Christ on Earth” knows that they should feed the soul as well as the body.
gravenimage says
Teaching them about salvation would be “Islamophobic”…
Crusades Were Right says
Here’s something you NEVER hear: “Let’s change the way we live in order not to offend…
…CHRISTIANS!” lol
gravenimage says
And Christians–and all other Infidels–“offend” Muslims simply by existing.
James says
Get the Muslims to do the same to reciprocate. Start changing their diet and other cultural practices to assimilate them to Christian practices. Of course they won’t do that, will they?
janwog says
The dhimmi pope.
Jean Terry says
This pope is definitely not a pope. He is a political activist. A socialist. It looks like he wants open borders too. Can’t the people who appointed him remove him? He is not worthy of being a pope. Your last pope was wonderful. He was, I believe, a holy man. He stood up to the Nazi’s in Poland where he was born. This pope only stands up for leftist ideology.
CogitoErgoSum says
Jean, a Pope can be removed from his office only by the Pope himself or by God. It seems that even if the Pope were to become obviously insane or to lapse into a vegetative state there is no other way he can be removed. This is purely a case of following the motto “In God We Trust.” Here is a link to an article which goes into detail on the subject if you have time to read it:
https://canonlawmadeeasy.com/2013/01/31/pope-removed-from-office/