I was just discussing religious stupidity at another forum.
Violent Jihad is not advocated by the majority of practicing Muslims, nor is most of what the whack-a-doo in that post said. I have a couple of Muslim friends - there's a big Muslim population in NY - and they are probably the most peaceful, accepting people in the world.
As for the Catholics (I'm a recovering Catholic myself), they need to stay out of people's business and remember that they're a RELIGIOUS organization, not a political one. It never ceases to amaze me how the Pope, particularly this one (creepy looking little dude, isn't he?), seems to think he's infallible in everything. Church doctrine states that the Pope is God's representative on Earth, and that he is "infallible in matters ex cathedra" - that is, in matters pertaining to Catholic doctrine. He's got no business telling non-Catholics ANYTHING.
The pope is no mediator. People are stupid. He is a man just like any other, no special powers, nothing.
He is not Jesus Himself so there is no reason to look to this man for blessings or forgiveness or anything.