Pope Francis and Islamic Terrorism

[TBC: Pope Francis is a liberal Catholic, and as such, mystics and mysticism “have been fundamental.” As one who pursues mysticism, he has followed the path that leads to universalism. That unbiblical belief system creates a problem for the Pope. On the one hand he speaks of “inhuman violence” regarding Muslim terrorist attacks in obedience to its Jihadist teachings, but at the same time insists Islam bears no responsibility.]

Pope Francis denounced the “terrible terrorist massacre” carried out by Islamic militants of the Taliban in the Afghan capital of Kabul [January 27].

“A few days ago, another serious attack also on Kabul had sown terror and death in a large hotel,” he continued. “How long must the Afghan people bear this inhuman violence?”

The Pope ended his appeal by imploring prayers for the victims and their families, as well as for all those who work for peace in that country.

Pope Francis caused a media stir in early 2017 when he denied the existence of Islamic terrorism.

“Christian terrorism does not exist, Jewish terrorism does not exist, and Muslim terrorism does not exist. They do not exist,” Francis said in a speech to a world meeting of populist movements in the Vatican [in February, 2017].

Francis downplayed the religious component of modern terrorist movements, suggesting that terrorism is principally the result of economic inequalities rather than radicalized religious beliefs.

“The poor and the poorer peoples are accused of violence yet, without equal opportunities, the different forms of aggression and conflict will find a fertile terrain for growth and will eventually explode,” he said.

Francis also reiterated his belief that all religions promote peace and are equally susceptible to violent radicalization.

“There are fundamentalist and violent individuals in all peoples and religions—and with intolerant generalizations they become stronger because they feed on hate and xenophobia,” he said.

The pope’s earlier statements suggesting economic roots to terror provoked a strong public reaction from the Islamic State terror group, which insisted that their sole motivation is religious and sanctioned by Allah in the Qur’an.

Pope Francis “has struggled against reality” in his efforts to portray Islam as a religion of peace, declared an article in the ISIS propaganda magazine Dabiq, before going on to urge all Muslims to take up the sword of jihad, the “greatest obligation” of a true Muslim.

(Williams, "Pope Francis Condemns Taliban Attack: ‘How Long Must Afghan People Bear Such Inhuman Violence?’, Breitbart Online, 1/28/18).