Protecting the Pope

A new website has sprung up in England to counter anti-Catholicism & especially the attacks on Papa Benedetto. Protect the Pope was started by Rev Nick Donnelly, a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Lancaster as well as an author for the Catholic Truth Society. He started it after he talked to other Catholics about the Holy Father’s visit in Septembe. Most of them express concern about his safety. "The unprecedented level of hostility, ridicule and ill-will from certain public figures and sections of the press has got some Catholics genuinely worried that Pope Benedict is going to be embarrassed or even hurt."

The website puts up articles that show that the concern is real. But it also calls for prayer as well providing responses to some of the attacks.

Lest you think this is overreacting, check out the following post:

Birmingham Muslims encouraged to protest Pope’s visit

The Muslim blog, The Islamic Standard, exhorts fellow Muslim’s in Birmingham to protest against Pope Benedict when he visits Cofton park to preside at the Beatification Mass of Cardinal Newman.
‘A change of venue gives Birmingham Muslims a chance to tell the Pope just what they think of him after his insults against the Prophet Muhammad (saws) in 2006 in Regensburg…As well as this chance to challenge these evil words of this evil Pope, over 80,000 Catholics from all over the UK are also expected to attend the open air ceremony in Cofton Park, Birmingham…The Birmingham site has been selected over Coventry due to its connection to a dead Catholic priest, Cardinal John Henry Newman who is being made into a Catholic ‘saint’ for his supposed miracles witnessed by delusional and misguided catholics after his death.’
‘The Birmingham event however brings the pope and who worship him into direct contact with the the large Muslim population of Birmingham and offers them the perfect chance to learn about Islam and for the Muslims to forbid the Munkar of worshipping dead men and following the dictates of the sodomite child molesting Church of Rome.’
‘We at the Islamic Standard hope the Muslims of Birmingham take this duel opportunity to give Da’wah to these 80,000 travelling disbelievers, whilst at the same time telling the Pope in no uncertain terms what Muslims think of his evil slanders against the last Prophet of God and his message.’
(Hat tip to: That the bones You have crushed may thrill).
http://theislamicstandard.wordpress.com/2010/06/25/1299/#comments

Matthew Archbold adds that Member of Parliament "Khalid Mahmood fears that this call may be an incitement to violence. He’‘s quoted in British newspapers saying: “These supposed Muslims are doing all they can to incite violence. Sadly, if Muslims do turn up and preach at Catholics it could easily turn to violence…The police should look at the comments on this site because they can only serve to increase tensions and perhaps even cause riots on the day.”(Is the Pope in Danger? ) He goes on to add "according to YNET news,: eight residents of the northern city of Nazareth were arrested on weapons charges and discussing murdering Jews, soldiers, and the Pope." So, it looks like the concerns are very valid.

& this isn't the only source of concern. The Sunday Mercury has a story about the plans of a former parliamentary candidate Magnus Lynius Shadee has plans to open OCCULT centres in Birmingham and Coventry during the Pope’s visit. (Occult centre to open when Pope visits Birmingham) He also wants to visit Cardinal Newman’s grave & perform prayers before the Pope arrives. Given that Newman's grave isn't open to the public it is highly unlikely that such a blasphemous act will occur.

It strikes me that Satan is none too happy that Papa Benedetto will be arriving in England to spread the Gospel & is trying to do all he can to counter. These reports show that what is going on in the attacks on the Pope have a spiritual origin & we must use spiritual weapons to counter them. Prayer, especially the Rosary is where to start. Protect the Pope's Prayer page has other suggestions including Eucharistic Adoration.

This isn't the 1st time Papa Benedetto has travelled knowing that he was putting his life at risk. But he knows he is called to proclaim the Gospel where God sends him. &, like St. Paul, he won't let anything stop him. So we should continue to pray for his protection & God's blessing on his efforts.

Source: Protect the Pope.com