Vatican Tries to Create Distance from Row over Muslim Demographics Video

THE GUARDIAN: Cardinal did not intend to be anti-Muslim and played video to synod as a comment on nihilism in society, says spokesman

The Vatican has distanced itself from a row over Muslim immigrants inEurope triggered by the showing at a synod of a video that claims "Europe as we know it will cease to exist."

Cardinal Peter Turkson, the president of the Vatican's council for justice and peace – and seen as a possible future pope – played the disputed video in a discussion period on Saturday during a synod attended by 262 bishops from across the world.

Entitled Muslim Demographics, and viewed more than 13m times on YouTube since its release in 2009, the seven-minute long video claims Muslim immigration and higher birth rates means France will become "an Islamic republic" within 39 years. » | Tom Kington, Rome | Tuesday, October 16, 2012


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Vatican Uproar Over Screening of Islam Scare Story Video
THE GUARDIAN: Cardinal shows bishops footage featuring alarmist predictions about the growth of Islam in Europe

A Roman Catholic cardinal has caused an uproar at the Vatican by screening a spurious video that makes alarmist predictions about the growth of Islam in Europe.

The seven-minute clip, called Muslim Demographics, was screened by Cardinal Peter Turkson during a free discussion period during an international gathering of 262 bishops.

Turkson, a Ghanaian who is based in the Vatican and is president of its Council for Justice and Peace, sparked consternation among his fellow bishops. One bishop said he would rebut Turkson by presenting a report with contrary data.

At a briefing for journalists, Father Thomas Rosica said the clip had sparked "the most animated" discussion so far at the three-week conference. "Islam is the buzzword," Rosica said. » | Reuters in the Vatican City | Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Muslim Demographics

Muslim Demographics