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Pope's Call for 'Muslim Solidarity' Needs Bible Study - Bill Koenig

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December 14, 2001

Note from Bill:

The following Reuters article reported Friday that Pope John Paul II has called on the world’s Roman Catholics to fast for world peace “in solidarity with Muslims.”

This unprecedented proclamation was timed to coincide with the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and to promote “greater understanding between Catholics and Muslims.”

May I respectfully suggest that the Pope open his Bible and familiarize himself with God’s Word about the covenant land of Israel and what happens to those who come against Israel (Genesis 12:3). He should also re-visit what the Bible says about spirits who do not acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 4:2-3).

And may I recommend also that the Pope’s Bible Study include a serious look at what God’s Word says about the future of Jerusalem (Zechariah, chapters 12-14) and at other Scriptures pertaining to the times in which we live.

The Pope is leading his church into a collision course with our Lord.

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Pope Leads Catholic World 'Fast for Peace'
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VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul on Friday led the world's Roman Catholics in a day of fasting for global peace in solidarity with Muslims in the wake of attacks against the United States and spiraling violence in the Middle East.

The Pope, convinced that prayer can move minds and mountains, asked Catholics to skip at least one meal if their health permitted it and to give to charity the money they would have spent.

The unprecedented gesture was timed to coincide with the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, promote greater understanding between Catholics and Muslims, and stress that no Catholic should automatically link Islam with terrorism.

The Vatican asked Catholics to either abstain from all food from sunrise to sunset, as devout Muslims do, take just bread and water, or eat the minimum required for their health.

"This special day of prayer and fasting, a Friday at the end of Ramadan, gives Catholics a chance to show their solidarity with Muslims," said Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, secretary of the Vatican Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

"By doing so, Catholics, in the words of the Pope, can show their respect for Islam, for the authentic Islam, Islam that prays, Islam that cares for the needy," he said.

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