Pope’s remarks were taken out of context

THE Pope quotes a 14th century Byzantine emperor whose city was under attack from Muslims as saying Islam is “spread by the sword”.

This was after he quoted from the Koran: “There is no compulsion in religion.”

In addition, the Pope said the emperor should have known the Koran said this.

Context is everything.

There was absolutely no suggestion that the Pope agreed with the emperor who stated those views.

To expect him to apologise is nonsense because he would be apologising for views he never supported.

Apologising for the misunderstanding generated by his speech is about as far as he can go.

As a result of that misunderstanding, Christian churches have been burnt, and possibly one nun murdered.

Was this done in the name of the Islam? If so, where is the Muslim outrage at the Muslim outrage?

James McGrath

Birchgrove

Hollyford

Co Tipperary