HONG KONG -- What theological devil tempted Pope Benedict XVI earlier this month to make a byzantine reference to a long-forgotten Christian emperor who, under siege in Constantinople (now Istanbul) from Muslim forces, made derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad's instruction to spread Islam by fire and sword?
The pope was delivering a closely argued and also provocative theological address at a German university. He delved deep into philosophy and theology. One of his aims, which has already become a theme of his pontificate, is to reassert the place of reason and God as central and vital civilizing forces in an increasingly Godless Europe.
But in the week of the fifth anniversary of 9/11, Pope Benedict also wanted to express his opposition to the idea that a "holy war" -- killing in the name of God -- can ever be justified.