So I was talking with my friends the other day, and we briefly worked into the topic of the Pope declaring a modern day Crusade…
What would the reaction be, in this modern day, if the Pope, for whatever reason, decided that the only solution to the Isreal problem would be for the Church to take control of the area…
What would happen? Would Catholics all over the world flock to the banner, and quite possibly go to war? Would they laugh it off as the meanderings of an insane old man, would then force the Vatican to replace the Pope, what?
Back in ye old days, the Church and governments of most countries were linked. With the blessing of the church, monarchs could raise up an army and go on a crusade to Juruselem.
The role of the church nowadays has changed. The Pope can’t simply declare a crusade and expect the armies of Christianity to flock to his banner.
So even if the Pope went insane and started a Christian holy war against Israel, most likely no one would show up. America, Israels strongest ally does not base foreign policy on the ramblings of the Catholic church. Britain, France, and most of the other western nations would also have no interest.
And how many Christians do you know would be willing to risk their lives to go on a crusade. Keep in mind, Israel has a pretty good military and would easily repel a unorganized mob of Christian nutcases.
Besides. What the hell does the Pope care about the Middle East? Its pretty much a Muslim/Jewish problem.