[ April 16, 2024 ]
Will the Pope Be A Prophetic Voice?
By
Robert Spencer
We have
seen Pope Francis exemplify Christ’s extreme humility. Will he also imitate Christ
and the Biblical prophets in challenging the powerful and rebuking the unjust?
It
created an international sensation when the new Pope washed a Muslim woman’s
feet during Maundy Thursday mass. Numerous Leftists and Islamic supremacists
expressed their delight, including the dhimmi pseudo-academic Juan Cole, who is
a Board
member of a front
group for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Clearly
Cole thought that the Pope’s act somehow constituted some kind of rebuke to
Catholics who are sounding the alarm about the global jihad and Islamic
supremacism. He gleefully entitled a post at his Informed
Comment site: “Dear Rightwing Catholic Islamophobes: Pope Francis just
washed the feet of a Poor Muslim.” Hussam Ayloush of the Hamas-linked Council
on American-Islamic Relations retweeted it as “Dear Rightwing Catholic
Islamophobe (Robert Spencer): Pope Francis just washed the feet of a Muslim.” Greetings
from inside Hussam Ayloush’s head, where apparently I occupy a large suite.
In his
piece, Cole (who is abysmally
ignorant of Catholicism) demonstrates yet again a common pitfall for
hard-Left propagandists: they tend to believe their own propaganda. Cole is
assuming here that those whom he defames as “Islamophobes” really do hate
Muslims, and so are outraged that the Pope would show kindness and demonstrate
humility before one. The idea that opposing jihad and Islamic supremacism
constitutes “hate” is a well-worn Leftist cliche, but it has no substance. Why
should it? Why should a desire to preserve and protect the freedom of speech,
the freedom of conscience, and equality of rights of all people before the law
involve any kind of hate?
Anyway,
as for the foot-washing itself, the question is, what did the Pope mean by it?
If he meant simply to imitate Christ's action of extreme humility at the Last
Supper, and to demonstrate that no one is beyond the pale of God's mercy, no
Christian could object to that.
Coming at
a time when Muslim persecution of Christians is escalating worldwide, however,
and when there already
questions about the Catholic Church’s apparent determination to accommodate
Islamic supremacism at all costs, and not speak up for the persecuted
Christians, this foot-washing is being seen as an indication that the
Church is surrendering and bowing down to its new Islamic overlords. Cole’s
article expressing his joy at the Pope’s action is an indication of that. Pamela Geller wrote trenchantly about just how
disastrous was the signal the Pope was sending: “While millions of Christians
are being oppressed, persecuted and slaughtered under Islamic law …… this
is stomach-churning dhimmitude. This isn’t merely a lack of leadership; this is
betrayal on an unimaginable level. Kill my people and I will wash and kiss your
feet. For jihadists, this image could very well replace the burning twin towers
as iconic of Islamic imperialism and conquest.”
Cole and
Ayloush and their allies are so happy about the Pope’s gesture because it does
seem to indicate a surrender to the forces of Islamic supremacism, and a
determination not to resist or even confront them. If that really is what Pope
Francis meant, then his action constitutes an error in judgment even greater
than John Paul II’s kissing of the Qur’an. Whether that is what it really means
will become clear one way or the other as events unfold.
Also, if
the Pope really meant by washing this Muslim woman’s feet that Catholics should
not defend themselves and their loved ones and their homelands against the
global jihad and Islamic supremacism, then his gesture is not only wrong, disastrous and
lamentable, but in contradiction to centuries of Church teaching about the
right and even the duty of defending oneself. It seems inconceivable that Pope
Francis meant by this gesture unilaterally to change Church teaching on
self-defense, or to proclaim that the Church must not resist jihadis and
Islamic supremacists – but time will tell.
It is
also worth noting that if the Pope had dared to touch and kiss a Muslim woman's
feet in Saudi Arabia or Iran, he would have been immediately killed. His act of
humility would not have been received in the spirit in which it was intended.
It could have caused a firestorm of indignation in the Muslim world, a la Pope
Benedict XVI’s Regensberg address, but of course Islamic supremacists are
generally smarter than that, and do not interfere with someone who is doing
them a favor (and Francis was, whether he intended to or not, as Cole’s piece
demonstrates). Nor has Francis’s gesture of humility been reciprocated by any
Muslim authority, and it will not be.
Cole is
very happy here that the Pope has shown concern for the downtrodden; Cole doesn’t
mention the downtrodden Christians in Islamic lands. Does the Pope care for
them? It
seems that he does; but rather than blaming a vague “fundamentalism,” which
isn’t even a word that legitimately applies to Islam at all, will he speak up
more clearly and forcefully about why they are suffering, and challenge their
persecutors? Or does this foot-washing signify that he is abandoning them to
their fate? We shall see. We shall soon see whether this Pope is a servant
only, or a prophet as well.
Robert
Spencer is the director of Jihad Watch and author of the
New York Times bestsellers The
Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and The
Truth About Muhammad. His latest book, Not Peace But A Sword:
The Great Chasm Between Christianity and Islam, is now available.
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24 Comments
11 years ago
Unintended consequences? The kuffar had the audacity to fondle the naked feet of a Muslimah with his filthy bare hands, touching her naked skin…How haram is that? And the
woman allowed it…how haram is that? She basically committed an act of apostasy, and he insulted the core of Islam by man handling one of their women…Try that in Saudi Arabia, or even Yemen…
11 years ago
From the new Pope’s wiki page:
Buenos Aires Islamic leaders praise Bergoglio’s close ties with the Islamic community by citing his reactions to an incident when Pope Benedict XVI quoted a medieval document that described Muhammad as “evil and inhuman”.[116] According to them, Bergoglio immediately distanced himself from the quotes, noting that statements that create outrage within the Islamic community “will serve to destroy in 20 seconds the careful construction of a relationship with Islam that Pope John Paul II built over the last 20 years.”
11 years ago
As a Catholic myself, I will take it as a gesture in Christ’s humility. I did wonder how that went over in the Muslim world. If one believes in Jesus, he would have washed the feet of anyone, especially a non believer. So, I will go with that. I never heard of Juan Cole prior to your piece, so thanks for that information.
As a Catholic, I did however; have an issue with his statement on the continuing of “peace talks”…As the Pope, a previous Cardinal, and well heck an informed human being, he must know that Israel is the only one that seeks peace. I have long tired of hearing this.
11 years ago
As a Catholic, I will take it as a gesture in Christ’s humility. I did wonder how that went over in the Muslim world. If one believes in Jesus he would have washed the feet of anyone, especially a non believer. So, I will go with that. I never heard of Juan Cole prior to your piece, so thanks for that information.
As a Catholic, I did however; have an issue with his statement on the continuing of “peace talks”…As the Pope, a previous Cardinal, and well heck an informed human being, he must know that Israel is the only one that seeks peace. I have long tired of hearing this. I have long tired of people in the know repeating the same BS.
11 years ago
So important I posted twice! Sorry, have no idea how that happened.
11 years ago
The Holocaust of the Christians is revving up and will be of such a level of sheer butchery, hatred and evil that there will be no ‘wriggle room’ for the most mealy-mouthed Catholic to look away and ‘plead for peace’. I was shocked that the Pope has openly violated a CLEAR rubric of the church that the washing of feet is only of men (viri). This is disastrous in itself. If the Pope can take liberties with the Church law, why can’t I? Touching and kissing Muslim girls on their bare feet shows a shocking ignorance of Muslim mores, But on the other hand, having lived in Egypt and Syria for years I know your average Muslim on the street don’t get the ‘oh so humble’ message… they get the message that this is someone who grovels before women. You have NO idea how bad that looks to them. SO in one blow Pope Francis has muddied the liturgical waters of the Church AND sent appalling messages and propaganda and made himself AND the church look like easy prey.
11 years ago
Not being Catholic just a Christian who is responsible for my own salvation,I am grateful for Martin Luther and all the men of conscience who made the Bible available to everyone.I have spoken to Catholics who I am convinced are doing the best they can to walk a Christian walk and I can appreciate the Popes’ position and influence on such a large number of people.I cannot accept his authority.Why? Because you cannot have authority without responsibility.Unlike Christ, the Pope will not suffer for my sins or the sins of his followers or the sins of islam. “Do Not cast your Pearls before Swine lest they trample them under foot”. That is what seems to apply here, as I see it.I do not doubt the intention as a noble gesture and I hope it will inspire many muslims to convert to follow the Light Of The Gentiles to accept the God Of Israel.Christ did tell his disciples to buy swords, not to protect him but themselves.Of the number of muslims who receive the message there is still the question of what to do about the ones who will not?
11 years ago
It is very bad, but it is a reminder of Christ’s teachings to all Christians: offer the other cheek. If we are believers, we should be assured that will grant our salvation, but also our demise in the hands of Islam.
As for choosing a Mary Magdalene in the Muslim woman we gave proof he is completely unaware of the teachings of Islam, or it may well be an indication that he will fulfill prophesies.
11 years ago
Mr. Spencer: Thank you for your measured and circumspect approach to this issue. Indeed, it is too soon to tell how the new Pope will approach radical Islam; he is a very unusual Pope, bucking the later, rather legalistic, traditions and reverting to the original intent of Jesus’ message. It is well for everyone to remember that radical Islamists do not speak for every Muslim and that there are many among them who are also suffering terribly from its radical violence and evil.
Only the Pope’s future actions will clarify this matter.
11 years ago
This episode with the feet is wholly unwelcome. The last Emperor of Constaninople tried smiling, sending food and good wishes to the tin-pot Turkish despot who went on to storm the city and destroy it’s Christian heritage.
This is NO way for the church to go on, especially in light of todays news about Ireland on the Gatestone Institute site.
Leaders of the church and civil society had better understand a couple of things – It’s very desirable to be liked – but it’s essential to be RIGHT.
11 years ago
Raised a Catholic myself, as far as I am concerned, the Pope or anyone can wash and kiss feet of anyone he chooses. He insults Jesus and Christians though by claiming to imitate Jesus when Jesus never washed the feet of unbelievers, but the feet of His own disciples who, He sent out to Evangelise the truth and to demonstrate equality and humiltiy amongst THEIR OWN. Contrary to common assumption, Jesus ‘ disciples were not sinners, but ex-sinners. Joining His group meant repentance and conversion.
i have this convesation almost daily when faced with believers and non-believers ecstatic at the Pope
Muslims will not appreciate this ” mercy ” shown to them by the Pope, they will view it as weakness, and it will empower them. The nicer we are to them, the stronger they become in case no one has noticed ?!?? Israel learned the hard way that muslims do not reciprocate kindness as other humans do. The more we give, the more they take. The only language they understand and ever have. Is strength. We don’t know our enemy so we will lose.
11 years ago
AMEN Gleaner !
11 years ago
i’m afraid this pope is a lefist.
11 years ago
His Holiness Pope Francis did exactly what his many predecessors did to appease and accommodate fascist dictators such as Generalissimo Benito Mussolini, Führer Adolph Hitler, Commander Jorge Rafael Videla, et al.
The Holy Roman Catholic Church will always find allies with fascist ideologies such as Islam.
But, in this latest case, Islam will not show any mercy to His Holiness when time comes for Muslims! Now, Muslims will lie low and wait for the most opportune moment to strike. Muslims will rape nuns in their jihadist rampage.
By the way, Professor Juan Cole is a paid agent of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as Pakistanian government.
11 years ago
Get rid of this nutcase coward of a pope…..he is more stinky than a poop. How can he be a leader if he cannot protect his flock by bowing down to the man eating wolf at the door
11 years ago
No humility in calling an Egyptian born terrorist as a Palestinian Muslims – this is a FK the Jews genocidal premise with intent. The Pope’s own ancestors dumped this name exclusively on the Jews of Judea and the Arabs were in the front rows destroying the Temple and killing Jews.
No humility is calling a 3-state in the same land as a 2-state.
No humility in remaining silent of the Balfour’s corruption and the White Paper that caused the Holocaust.
No humility on those who call Hebron, the birth place of the Judeo-Christian thread – as a settlement illegally occupied by Jews.
Those Christians who remain silent of such heinous deeds will have tied their hands of their Lord. The God of all Gods will return the curse on you – your lands will be taken by the same weapon you planned for the Jews.
11 years ago
The call for one world religion or “UNIFICATION” of all religions is the “WHORE” that rides the beast!
11 years ago
The Porgressive Pirates, Wall Street Pirates & The Barbary Pirates are all on the same team! Rome is SACKED! Wake up people!!!! http://shutupnsing.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/the-pirates-of-the-new-world-order/
11 years ago
you also know how this looks to a muslim woman?? when her own husband would rather be tortured than wash & kiss her feet? in addition Y’shua said “buy a sword” to his followers. luke22:36. this takes discernment & a wait & see.
11 years ago
Why do you care what this Juan Cole says? Who does he represent other than himself? And he is obviously an idiot.
I understand that the Church is all about symbolism. But it’s possible to read far too much into things than is there. I doubt Pope Francis came to the jail and asked for ‘ a Muslim woman.’ The fact is, a lot of people in Italian jails happen to be North African Muslims. I think he was just washing the feet of the prisoners who were there. Nothing more. Apart from what Jesus said about ‘Do unto others …’ and ‘Turn the other cheek …’ he also said ‘What good is it for you to love those who love you in return? Even the pagans [Muslims?] do that. Love your enemies. Pray for your persecutors.’
Pope Francis was just putting that principle into practice, just as that principle is the basis for dialogue with any Muslims of good will. What kind of ‘Muslim’ could that woman have been to allow a man, much less a Catholic cleric to touch her feet? That simple, humble gesture may represent the first moment of her conversion. The fall of Islam will come through the women. Showing compassion and mercy to them will work better than hate.
How long have you been fighting radical Islam? 10 years? 12 years? The Church has been at it for over 1300 years. I’ll put my bets on Pope Francis’ way.
11 years ago
Your history is quite skewed; islam has been warring and conquering just as long. Since the hophead pedophile started the cult, slaughtering thousand of pagan worshippers before the chief moon idol was established. 299 of them as a matter of fact were destroyed by moo ham id. Heck if Romania hadn’t stopped them they would have over-ran Europe ages ago. The so-called crusades (Catholicism) created to annihilate the Jews who turned Christian and tortured them to convert them to Catholicism or purge them if they didn’t. Same with the inquisition in Spain, they were slain if they didn’t convert to Catholicism. The old cliché that the “CHURCH” has been doing it over 1300 years is BS!!! NO! Religiosity has been doing it for 1300-years. The 4-walled movement!!!
11 years ago
Jesus never told us to be stupid, islam has a mission statement and Love and Tolerance is not part of it. Jesus never contradicted the Scriptures of which the Proverbs are part of. Wisdom can be applied if it is no possessed.
11 years ago
Well said, KB!
The foot kissing act was seen by moslems as a surrender. Now, thanks to that performance, the Catholic church is weaker than ever before. Only islam can take that one to the bank. Same with kissing the koran. What the hell kind of strategy is that, and who does it benefit?
Kiss the devil? Oh hell no!
11 years ago
A lapsed catholic (and after this humiliating piece of cheap theatre even more lapsed) I am disgusted enough to have come to this conclusion: The new pope is not emulating Jesus Christ, but rather Mohamed in that he is a lecherous old man with a foot fetisch, snogging the feet of a young muslim girl. A re-enactment of the Mohamed-Aisha affair?
How must the Christians in muslim countries feel, being chased out of their houses, raped/tortured/killed/ while the pope indulges in carnal pleasures with a muslim as they are dying?
Yes, I know, in saying the above I show quite a lot of bad faith, but I am very very very angry.
http://littlenotesfromparis.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/pope-snogs-young-muslimas-feet.html
