The Islamic State has declared Pope Francis’ burial a “marketing tool in a theological war,” asserting that tributes paid to the late pope undermine Islamic beliefs. The terror group is concurrently experiencing a resurgence, raising concerns about its growing strength and influence in the Middle East. In its latest issue of the weekly newsletter Al-Naba’, the Islamic State, or ISIS, specifically condemned the extensive praise directed at Pope Francis following his death, characterizing such gestures as part of a “soft war” aimed at diluting the principles of Islamic monotheism. The editorial also criticized Egypt’s Al-Azhar Grand Imam and regional media for portraying the pope sympathetically, arguing that this creates spiritual confusion among Muslims. The Islamic State editorial contended that the pope’s humble burial arrangements — using an iron cross instead of gold and choosing a modest burial site rather than an elite tomb — are not genuine displays of humility, but rather tactical moves in a larger ideological battle.
ISIS further accused those offering condolences and admiration to Pope Francis of crossing religious boundaries, effectively acting as spokespeople for the Vatican and betraying fundamental Islamic doctrines. Further, ISIS questioned the sincerity behind the late pope’s repeated calls for peace in Gaza. The group portrayed his vocal support for Gaza as a calculated attempt to mask his religious beliefs and garner positive publicity. According to ISIS, the pope’s gestures toward Gaza are not meaningful support but superficial actions designed to enhance his image rather than genuinely assist Palestinians. ISIS also targeted the alignment of Al-Azhar and the Vatican, accusing both institutions of replacing religious authenticity with a generalized humanist message. The extremist group argued that such messages of coexistence and secular ethics undermine the exclusive truth claims of Islam.
The editorial equated the methodologies of the pope’s Jesuit order — combining contemplative mysticism with social activism — with Al-Azhar’s theological stance, alleging both institutions care more about humanist coexistence than strict religious observance. ISIS also accused regional media outlets of distorting reality by praising Pope Francis while demonizing Islamic State fighters as extremists. The double standard, ISIS argued, is part of a coordinated strategy to weaken Islam by shifting the moral framework from religious absolutes to secular humanism. ISIS’s condemnation of Pope Francis coincides with concerns raised by U.S. and United Nations officials about the terror group’s renewed vigour in Syria. Recent reports indicate ISIS is actively recruiting new members and increasing its attacks. Despite being weaker than its peak strength a decade ago, when ISIS controlled vast areas across Syria and Iraq, there is considerable anxiety about the group’s potential resurgence.
About 9,000 to 10,000 ISIS fighters and nearly 40,000 of their family members remain detained in northeastern Syria, guarded by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. The Islamic State’s narrative targets former jihadist allies now integrated into Syria’s post-Assad military and political structures, attempting to exploit ideological divisions and foment internal dissent. Kurdish forces warned that the threat inside and outside these camps is escalating, with commanders describing them as breeding grounds for the “next cubs of the caliphate.” Despite reinforcements and 24-hour surveillance, incidents of stabbings, bombings and smuggling are frequent. Commander Kane Ahmed, overseeing al Hol camp, said that ISIS cells smuggle weapons into the camps and orchestrate escapes, hiding individuals in hollowed-out truck seats or using waterways. Weapons, explosives and contraband are routinely recovered in raids, while detainees, including women, openly pledge allegiance to ISIS.
Source: Christian Post
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