What's with the Pope?

[graymatter]

Ok, this should probably be in Spirituality, but I'm hoping to open it up to the wider community.

I know the Pope apologized for pissing off the Muslims but has anyone heard or read why he quoted some 14th century emperor, other than to show the relationship between vilolence and faith?

I just find it interesting why he could have cited a number of instances where Christians killed Muslims but he didn't.... or perhaps he did.

Got insights?

[Hamlet]

One excuse was 'intellectual lecturer meets Soundbite culture', but I didn't hear the entire lecture and don't care to. The way I see it he shot his mouth off then pussed out when he was called on it, to put it crudely, but I believe, accurately.