I’ve just been reading the rules of the Papal succession. What happens if someone does a 9/11 and crashes a plane into the Vatican, killing all the electors? Who becomes Pope? What of the wider reaction? Such an event might set off a new Crusade - but wouldn’t that be what the terrorists want?
“Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown.
I don’t think so… the Vatican and hardcore islamists have a lot in common. They both have similar views on how to treat women, sexuality and family issues. Fundamentalists one and all. Certainly it might spark a “crusade” mentality… but of whom ? Catholics aren’t in power exactly… even if Rome supports the Iraq debacle.
From what I understand JP II was quite supportive of good relations with other religions. So the Vatican is not their “enemy”.
The Mother of All Holy Wars?
I think I flicked through this, deciding it was rubbish. But IIRC at the end, there’s a pope elected through acclamation, which is no longer allowed.
Rashak Mani, who said the OP required Islamists?
The Telegraph (UK):
How many divisions does the pope have
Declan
Hyperbole doesn’t help your case. Catholic societies are very far from hardline Islamist ones.
Hey, don’t let the puffy pants fool you! Those Swiss Guards are some tough cookies! 
Thinking like a terrorist, if I wanted to stage a strike on the Vatican at this time, I wouldn’t wait for the Conclave. I’d slam a plane or whatever into St. Peter’s during JPII’s funeral. Higher body count, certainty of a panicking mob, utter chaos. (Of course, security would be much tougher then.)
The air space over Rome and the Vatican will be closed for most traffic during the funeral.
You are usually more intelligent than this. The Vatican and hardcore islamists have very little in common. When was the last time a priest blew up a bus full of ordinary people to make a point?
BTW When I said Rome supported Iraq war… I meant the Italian Government. The Vatican is in Rome… but is not Rome… sorry.
They have a lot in common in their beliefs !! If they do different things its another issue. But that they are “fundamentalist” religious groups in many similar ways is what I meant to point out.
Both sets of beliefs do not advocate suicide bombings either. Apparently priest just set out to do damage in other more insidious ways. :dubious:
See above answer. The Vatican is not a Catholic society… just a head of government anyway.