Church Militant asked me for comment about this meeting this morning, and I sent them this: “A genuine interfaith meeting at the “Birthplace of Abraham” would have included representatives of all three Abrahamic religions. But the Jewish representatives who were invited reportedly refused to attend. As the Qur’an is deeply antisemitic and calls Jews the worst enemies of Muslims (5:82), under the curse of Allah (9:30), and calls on Muslims to make war against and subjugate them (9:29), it is likely that the Jewish leaders did not believe they would be safe or respected there, which would have been a more realistic view of Islam than the one Francis has. In the same way, there was no mention of Isaac, because in Islamic tradition, Ishmael is the sacrificial son, and so the Pope was apparently all too willing to go along with the devaluation of the tradition shared by Jews and Christians in favor of the Islamic understanding. The readings were from Genesis and from the Qur’an’s Sura Ibrahim, that is, sura 14. It would have been more illuminating and instructive if Qur’an 60:4 had been read. At that point, Abraham tells his unbelieving family that there will be enmity and hatred between him and them forever unless they worship Allah, and he is presented as a model for imitation in doing this. And of course Jesus was not mentioned, for as always, “Muslim-Christian dialogue” means that Christians move closer to the Islamic position, not any genuine give-and-take or mutuality.
“Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion,” said the Pope. As I told Church Militant, the Pope clings to and repeats the popular fiction that Islamic jihad terrorism arises from a misunderstanding of Islam. Indeed, he can’t even go that far; instead, he says that terrorist acts are “betrayals of religion,” as if there were Christian terrorists in numbers comparable to Islamic terrorists worldwide. His ignoring of the Qur’an’s exhortations to violence against unbelievers doesn’t have the remotest chance of compelling jihadis to give up that violence. All it does is foster complacency and ignorance in Christians.
“For Iraq’s dwindling Christian minority, a show of solidarity from al-Sistani could help secure their place in Iraq after years of displacement — and, they hope, ease intimidation from Shiite militiamen against their community.”
Muslim-Christian dialogue has so far not prevented even one Christian from being persecuted. Maybe this time it will be different, eh?
“Pope, top Iraq Shiite cleric hold historic, symbolic meeting,” by Nicole Winfield and Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Associated Press, March 6, 2021:
PLAINS OF UR, Iraq (AP) — Pope Francis and Iraq’s top Shiite cleric delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence Saturday, urging Muslims in the war-weary Arab nation to embrace Iraq’s long-beleaguered Christian minority during an historic meeting in the holy city of Najaf.
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said religious authorities have a role in protecting Iraq’s Christians, and that Christians should live in peace and enjoy the same rights as other Iraqis. The Vatican said Francis thanked al-Sistani for having “raised his voice in defense of the weakest and most persecuted” during some of the most violent times in Iraq’s recent history.
Al-Sistani, 90, is one of the most senior clerics in Shiite Islam and his rare but powerful political interventions have helped shape present-day Iraq. He is a deeply revered figure in Shiite-majority Iraq and his opinions on religious and other matters are sought by Shiites worldwide.
The historic meeting in al-Sistani’s humble home was months in the making, with every detail painstakingly discussed and negotiated between the ayatollah’s office and the Vatican.
Early Saturday, the 84-year-old pontiff, travelling in a bullet-proof Mercedes-Benz, pulled up along Najaf’s narrow and column-lined Rasool Street, which culminates at the golden-domed Imam Ali Shrine, one of the most revered sites in Shiite Islam. He then walked the few meters (yards) to al-Sistani’s modest home, which the cleric has rented for decades….
The official said al-Sistani, who normally remains seated for visitors, stood to greet Francis at the door of his room — a rare honor. Al-Sistani and Francis sat close to one another, without masks. Al-Sistani, who rarely appears in public — even on television — wore black robes and a black turban, in simple contrast to Francis’ all-white cassock….
The pope arrived later in the ancient city of Ur for an interfaith meeting in the traditional birthplace of Abraham, the biblical patriarch revered by Christians, Muslims and Jews.
“From this place, where faith was born, from the land of our father Abraham, let us affirm that God is merciful and that the greatest blasphemy is to profane his name by hating our brothers and sisters,” Francis said. “Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion.”…
The Vatican said Iraqi Jews were invited to the event but did not attend, without providing further details. Iraq’s ancient Jewish community was decimated in the 20th century by violence and mass emigration fueled by the Arab-Israeli conflict, and only a handful remain….
The Vatican said the historic visit to al-Sistani was a chance for Francis to emphasize the need for collaboration and friendship between different religious communities.
In a statement issued by his office after the meeting, al-Sistani affirmed that Christians should “live like all Iraqis, in security and peace and with full constitutional rights.” He pointed out the “role that the religious authority plays in protecting them, and others who have also suffered injustice and harm in the events of past years.”
Al-Sistani wished Francis and the followers of the Catholic Church happiness, and thanked him for taking the trouble to visit him in Najaf, the statement said.
For Iraq’s dwindling Christian minority, a show of solidarity from al-Sistani could help secure their place in Iraq after years of displacement — and, they hope, ease intimidation from Shiite militiamen against their community….
Frank Anderson says
A great and inspiring teacher, Dale Carnegie, taught to give a person a good reputation to encourage that he live up to it. I don’t think Carnegie knew enough about muslims and islam to understand that does not work when their supremacy and perfection are assumed; and lying whenever advantage can be obtained is normal. Maybe the Pope has missed this difference too?
mortimer says
For Muslims, the ‘GOOD’ example of ABRAHAM that they seek to emulate and ‘LIVE UP TO’ is based on the following:
Koran 60.4, Allah says that Abraham is an “excellent example” for the believers when he tells his family and other pagans that “there has arisen, between us and you, ENMITY and HATRED forever, unless ye believe in Allah and Him alone” (60:4).
Pope Francis doesn’t realize that Muslims are obligated to HATE kafirs and SHOW HOSTILITY towards kafirs.
gravenimage says
Yes–for pious Muslims a “good reputation” is virtually the opposite of what civilized Infidels mean by it.
r koz says
this crud is the reason since i was 6 that i will follow no church A money pool of idiots who proclaim to be the messengers God. I know, at 6 i could never have that thought but time proved me right. Same with IS-lamb and the other religion. F-em
gravenimage says
You do not have to like any religion, but the implication that they are all as vicious as Islam is absurd.
Daniel says
r koz….I understand your concerns about religion. I wrote a letter to my children which became a web site please take a look and playfully consider what you see there. Remember Jesus Christ did not start a religion and its not about religions – it never was.
Best to you and your loved ones.
https://www.knowingforyourself.com
Money has no value their and there is only one to follow and it’s not me.
Daniel says
Typing error on my last post….playfully should be PRAYERFULLY consider….
Dude says
May God bless and protect the Pope in his brave venture.
I know I couldn’t do that.
Dan says
Brave venture?!
Nothing is going to happen to Frank while he’s there because he’s a big wig Useful Idiot.
Al-Satani most likely ordered NOTHING happen to Frank so the usual taqqiya charade can be maintained.
mortimer says
It is demoralizing when world leaders say things that are verifiably, demonstrably untrue. Whom are they kidding?
James Lincoln says
mortimer,
They are kidding all of the people who do not independently verify news articles – from multiple trusted sources.
And that’s a lot of people…
r koz says
I would not call selling your religion out as brave. How much did the non believer pay out for his life? Ans, 30 sheckles.
gravenimage says
This is certainly a foolish venture at best.
jca reid says
Taqiyya in action. Two perverts talking about stuff & their imaginary friend or friends as if they “Rule the World” & really, really help folk. Total BS. The Pope cannot really say what should be said about Islam as he’s selling false promises.
PRCS says
Per the Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani (although he probably didn’t tell Frank):
Najis (impure) things:
1. urine;
2. faeces;
3. semen;
4. corpse;
5. blood;
6. dog;
7. pig;
8. disbeliever (kāfir);
9. wine;
10. sweat of an excrement-eating animal.
https://www.sistani.org/english/book/48/2126/
wpm says
Will the Pope bring up the systemic oppression of Christians ,Jews, or even different sects of Moslems that Grand Ayatollah Ali-Sistani endorses and encourages the rulers of Iraq to follow ?Will the Pope talk about how Christians and Jews are the worst of creatures according to the teachings of Islam worst and lower then cattle? How true Moslems cannot be friends with Christians and Jews according to the scriptures of Islam? Will the Pope bring up the taking in of Christian refugees to the west who want to leave Moslem majority countries because of the systemic genocide endorsed and encouraged by the leaders of those countries?? Or will the Pope give Grand Ayatollah Ali-Sistani a hug a kiss and proclaim he is a truly Holy man, a brother , a leader of the religion of peace to the MSM ,and the press .As He (the pope ) is driven in his bullet proof car, guarded 24 /7 by arm guards, lives in his palace payed for and maintained by donations of Catholics around the world ?Catholics who if the Grand Ayatollah Ali-Sistani had his way would be slaves to the ruling Moslem elite of the world(the Ayatollah,s goal) .or dead.
James Lincoln says
wpm,
This is a staged, feel-good photo op.
Nothing substantial will be discussed…
wpm says
I agree it is staged ,but the MSM will say the Pope is promoting “Peace in the Middle East”. The only thing the Pope is promoting is B.S., while Christians and Jews are being exterminated in these Islamic hell holes that they cannot escape .This current Pope is spineless for not addressing these issues and meeting with monsters who promote Islamic supremacist giving the Grand Ayatollah Ali-Sistani a veneer of a follow “Holy man of Peace” with this photo op.
gravenimage says
Good questions, PRCS and wpm.
Westman says
Associated Press: “Iraq’s ancient Jewish community was decimated in the 20th century by violence and mass emigration fueled by the Arab-Israeli conflict, and only a handful remain….”
As usual, total ignorance of the Quran’s scapegoating directives against Jews; blaming all Iraqi persecution of Jews on the existence of Israel.
If honesty was at the forefront the AP would be describing how Iraq was humiliated twice by Western powers as they removed Sadaam from Kuwait and Sadaam’s Sunnis from power(terrible mistake) which opened the way for the rise of ISIS and manipulation by Iran.
Jews are the major Quran-approved scapegoat to ease Iraqi angst. Persecuting Christians is a worsening fallback position as Jews exit the ME. The Pope’s visit will accomplish little for Christians because al-Sistani is powerless to change the Quran’s evaluation of Christians nor its Surah 9 directives.
gravenimage says
+1
mortimer says
Francis said. “Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion.”
However …
– The Koran 8.60 says, “… prepare against (kafirs) what FORCE you can and horses of war, to TERRORIZE thereby the ENEMY of Allah and YOUR ENEMY and others besides them, whom you do not know (but) Allah knows them; and whatever (money) you will spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you.”
–Imam Abdul-Latif ibn Abdur-Rahman Rahimullah said, “It is not possible for someone to realize Tawheed (Islamic faith) and act upon it, and yet not be HOSTILE against the mushrikeen (i.e. wrong worshippers). So anyone who isn’t HOSTILE against the mushrikeen, then it cannot be said that he acts upon Tawheed nor that he realizes it.” [ad-Durar as-Saniyyah 8/167]
– “The Muslim should regard the Kuffaar as ENEMIES and HATE them because of their kufr (wrong belief), just as he hates their kufr (disbelief) itself.” – from Umar Sulayman ‘Abd-Allaah al-Ashqar, “Belief in Allah”
Francis is contradicting authentic Islam, but doesn’t know it … or he doesn’t eve care that his pontifications are WRONG-O.
r koz says
Hog wash. The true believers of alls up snack bar would never lie to their ENEMIES. a true believer would never do or say. dat
Wellington says
The present Pope is an enabler of evil. For academic and abstract reasons, it is interesting to speculate upon why the present pontifex maximus is an enabler of evil, but that he is I consider indisputable.
PRCS says
Difficult to understand how he remains so uninformed–if that is the situation.
r koz says
I think the shrub has seen the writing on the wall. Now he just trying to save his skin. Fluck the popes after my old azz. imagonnalivethelife. WORD
gravenimage says
This is not just ignorance–it is willful denial, which is much more intractable.
James Lincoln says
Wellington,
The “why” is more of a shrink question – though the answer would be interesting.
The *fact* that the Pope is an enabler of evil – either by design or due to profound ignorance – is all that matters…
Crusades Were Right says
[Al-Sistani, 90, is one of the most senior clerics in Shiite Islam and his rare but powerful political interventions have helped shape present-day Iraq]
I was wondering who should get the “credit” for that! Maybe it’s something he should be keeping under his “hat”? lol
somehistory says
I noticed that too. iraq of the present day is nothing about which one should brag.
Crusades Were Right says
; ¬)
gravenimage says
So true.
somehistory says
All that hot air.
The Apostle Paul wrote (under Divine Inspiration), “Whenever it is that they are saying “Peace and Security,” sudden destruction will be upon them as pangs of birth on a pregnant woman.”
“In a statement issued by his office after the meeting, al-Sistani affirmed that Christians should “live like
all Iraqis, in security and peace and with full constitutional rights.”
And on yet another point, the pope proves just how clueless and stupid he is (besides the stupidity…or maybe evil intent…he shows by meeting with moslums and pretending that they want what Christians want, he says,
““Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion.”
This is totally a “good grief” moment.
“Religion” doesn’t mean that the person who has one is a ***good person*** and won’t feel “hostility,” or act in ways others consider “extreme,” or carry on “violently” against others.
Really, the pope needs to be reading the Bible, learning its history, and gaining a better understanding…of just about everything…instead of parading around the world meeting all of his mo slum bf’s.
If he read the Hebrew Scriptures of the Bible, he could learn a lot…about the fact that bad people can be very, very religious because they worship satan the devil…call him ba’al, or molech, or whatever suits them at the moment….and it’s all the same…Religion that is based on lies and falsehood and honors the arch enemy of our Creator and His Son, produces in the person, “hostility, extremism and a whole heck of a lot of violence”
This pope is either incredibly stupid, or he is demonically evil. And if he is demonically evil, he is also incredibly stupid.
john smith says
Spot on Smehistory.
Crusades Were Right says
That photo. Notice how Frankie (can’t take this joker seriously as “Christ’s Vicar On Earth” – sorry) looks the Ayatollah in the eye, but the Ayatollah just looks past him.
Reminds me of that OTHER Ayatollah who kept his gaze fixed on the ground as he made his way from France to Iran in the late 70’s, since the sight of anything “infidel” was offensive to him, dontcha know.
A lost cause if ever I saw one.
somehistory says
Both creeps are spiritually blind, and the mo slum probably can’t see…probably has cataracts, macular degeneration, or a combination.
But you are right; I’ve had them look past me as though I didn’t exist. You could be telling them that their clothes or hair was on fire, and they would just refuse to respond normally.
Philip Damon Jr. says
The actual scripture isn’t about a lion laying down with a lamb, but a wolf:
Isaiah 11:6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”
Of course, not many “Christians” even read the bible, instead relying upon others to tell them what it says…
gravenimage says
True.
The lion and the lamb are both mentioned, but not directly paired.
gravenimage says
Pope meets Ayatollah Sistani in Iraq, repeats the usual comforting fictions about Islam
……………..
More suicidal insanity.
Kinana says
Francis said. “Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion.”…
Can such ignorance really exist in the Vatican and with his advisers?
nicholas tesdorf says
One has to admit that the Pope has guts, even if he is badly informed and ignorant of Islam. His ignorance allows him to put his head in the jaws of the Lion without fear. He is certainly encouraging the few remaining Christians in Iraq at least. Unfortunately they may suffer again after he leaves.
gravenimage says
I think he is in so much denial that he doesn’t even grasp how dangerous this is.
wpm says
The current Pope has no guts he is special and “protected” he will not address the treatment of the current Christians living in Islamic hell holes. Do you think his visit will make conditions better for Christians living there when he leaves? He is given his Ok approval to the current Ayatollah that he is (The Ayatollah” a good “Holy Man Of Peace” by this visit. Appeasement of Islamic bullies never worked in 1400 years!
BlackSabbath says
Polish popes are awesome. I am not so sure about Argentinians.
r koz says
That we agree on and most likely many points. Send this guy into Nigeria with full body wrap (his cloak). I give him 2 minutes. They love them some christian blood.
gravenimage says
The Pope has visited Nigeria. But I agree–if he were without security he would not be safe.
SKA says
The Polish Pope stood up to communists. The Argentinean Jesuit played footsie with “liberation theology” – a communist ruse.
Norman Gardner says
No Jews came to the invite because there are no Jews left in Iraq to invite.
Andrew Blackadder says
Looking in the faces of these two men who claim to speak for god, its no wonder people become Atheists, because if this is the best he can send….
The only reason the Vatican has not been attacked by the religion of piss is because they can use this silly wee Pope for their own good, but let us remember who it was that shot at Pope John Paul, and from which country did this shooter come from.
Islamists have told us they will conquer Rome/Vatican just as they conquered Constantinople and renamed it Istanbul, as those two Cities are the epic Center of the Catholic Church… One down… one to go…
It aint even close to finishing..