More random acts of violence in anticipation of the Pope's visit to Turkey

"Turkish man Ibrahim Ak shouts slogans as he arrives to a hospital for a medical check after he was detained in Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006. Police detained Ibrahim Ak who fired shots into the air outside the Italian consulate to protest an upcoming visit by Pope Benedict XVI, and the suspect later told television he wanted to 'strangle' the pope with his bare hands (AP Photo/Asim Gunes/Hurriyet)."

And remember, one crazy person is more than enough to endanger our beloved Pontiff's life...

More people marching around Turkey with banners reading "We Don't Want The Pope in Turkey".

After reading about these disturbing events, I suggest praying the Spiritual Pilgrimage With Pope Benedict XVI [PDF version here] written by the KofC's Supreme Chaplain, Bishop William E. Lori.

Update from Ansa.it: "Turkish man protests pope's visit":

Turkish news channel CNN Turk said the man fired three shots into the air in front of the consulate and then threw his gun at the building .

CNN Turk said the man shouted out "happy is the man who can call himself Muslim" and "damn Italy, I'm Muslim" as he threw the gun .

Italy's ambassador to Turkey, Carlo Marsili, was in his car outside the building at the time of the incident .

Update 2 from Reuters AlertNet: "Turk shoots at Italy consulate over Pope visit":

"I did what every Muslim has do to. God willing, the Pope will not come to Turkey, but if he does he will see what will happen to him," 26-year-old Ibrahim Ak told the DHA news agency while sitting in a police car after he was detained."