Pope Benedict XVI: “Muhammad brought … evil”
In a speech in Germany earlier this week, Pope Benedict inadvertently condemned Islam by making a historical reference:
In the seventh conversation…the emperor touches on the theme of the holy war. Without descending to details, such as the difference in treatment accorded to those who have the “Book” and the “infidels”, he addresses his interlocutor with a startling brusqueness on the central question about the relationship between religion and violence in general, saying: “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”
The BBC has photographs showing some of the Muslim reaction:
Unfortunately, the Pope’s initial comments appear to be at least partially confirmed by the extremist reaction:
“We swear that we will destroy their cross in the heart of Rome … and that their Vatican will be hit and wept over by the Pope,” said Jaish al-Mujahideen (the Mujahideen’s Army) in the statement, whose authenticity could not be confirmed.
Personally, this reminds me of the Danish cartoon scandal, which by critique of Islam incensed the conservative Muslim world. Unfortunately, the Pope has more authority than a group of newspaper editors, so this incident is only just beginning.