How will Pope Benedict deal with Islam?
Joseph D’Hippolito Pope Benedict XVI’s installation mass included two indications of a radical change in the Vatican’s strategy toward Islam and Islamist terrorism. In his greeting the new pope welcomed fellow Catholics, other Christians and Jews but not Muslims. Later, two selected people delivered intercessory prayers for oppressed Christians. One of the prayers was in Arabic. What did these gestures mean? The era of de-facto appeasement under pope John Paul II is over. The era of subtle, discreet, yet firm confrontation has begun. Muslims have noticed the shift and Benedict’s warmth toward Jews, as IslamOnline.net commented in its April 24 report on the installation: “Some observers fear that Jewish lobbies might blackmail the new pope for his wartime membership which he confirms was enforced in Nazi Germany’s Hitler Youth.” John Paul II cultivated a relationship with Islam not only as part of his ecumenical agenda. He viewed Islam as an ally against communism and secular materialis
