For a mild mannered scholarly man he sure causes a stir.  This morning when I met an evangelical Christian friend of Israel he started the conversation by telling me that he had just been interviewed on the Pope's trip to Israel and how disappointed he was by the Pope's speech at Yad Vashem. "Given his German background and his participation in Hitler Youth he should have given a forceful apology for his sins ....." Similar charges had been leveled at him by Holocaust survivors, including the Speaker of the Knesset. At least one Rabbi noted that the Pope's style rather than his message was the problem.

His Yad Vashem speech was one of several flash points for the Pope.

He started his Holy Land journey in Jordan. He addressed Islamic religious leaders. At least one of these leaders did not like what he said. The general criticism accused him of not apologizing for his controversial Regensburg speech, in which the Muslim world accused him of defaming Islam.

Then in an event in Jerusalem a Muslim cleric interrupted and began denouncing Israel. The Pope got up and walked out. Israeli papers applauded his actions.

In addition to the Yad Vashem speech, the Pope went to the Western Wall and prayed. A dramatic gesture noted by at least one Rabbi.

But then he went into the world of the Palestinians and caused another ruckus. He came out for a State for the Palestinians (a position, we should note that is consistent with the American government and past governments in the State of Israel.) He also came out against the security wall and lectured the Palestinians against resorting to violence. Along the way he also told by the rapidly dwindling Christian community that his presence is a sign that they are not forgotten.

Pope Benedict also had a brief meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Nazareth. Netanyahu's agenda was to the point he asked the Pope to speak out against the radical Islamic regime of Iran.We have not seen the Pope's response.

This brief recounting of his Holy Land activities should give you some idea of the controversies that have been part and parcel of this trip.

While we would not be surprised if  hard line friends of Israel are piping mad by his words, then along comes our friend and uncompromising friend of Israel Caroline Glick. Caroline believes that Pope Benedict represents the best opportunity to get the Catholic Church on Israel's side. Go figure.

You can read Caroline's article here.