Catholics and history?

Question

I was looking up Catholic history yesterday and came across Saint Cyril of Alexandria. I found out that he drew out the jews, smashed down churches, killed the prefect Orestes, and murdered an innocent philosopher named Hypatia. Okay, I understand that he was trying to "cleanse" the land and make it Christian, and he was trying to end the already chaotic conflict between groups, but this goes against Christ's teachings, doesn't it? Love thy neighbor, have peace, right? And this man is sainted and even gets a feast day. So, my question is, are there other saints or memorable Catholics who killed and rampaged the land also? I'm sure there are, but please tell me who they are and where I can read about them. Thanks!

Answer 1

I was amused to learn that St. Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa Claus) was a sort of point man for the winning side at the Council of Nicaea, in the 325AD. When mere words would not serve, he punched out the leader of the opposition (the Arians) right there on the Council floor.  St. Nick is, however, since the 1970s no longer a recognized Catholic saint.  

Answer 2

The Catholics also believed in forcible baptism.Some unfortunate non-Catholic would be tossed into the nearest lake or river.If the poor fellow drowned their attitude was at least his soul was saved.

Answer 3

The are several oddities in history concerning the catholic church its saints and its relationship with Judaism and Genocide. One of the most amazing facts is the majority of the Bible is written by the Jewish people. The catholic church in 1581 Gregory XIII states that the guilt of the Jews in rejecting and crucifying the ‘Christ’ character despite the fact that it was prophesied that it must happen.  A succession of Popes (anti-humans) reinforce these ancient prejudices against Jews. Pius VII followed by Leo XII, Pius VIII, Gregory XVI, Pius IX – all good pupils of Paul IV.  Leo XII (1823-9) decided Christians were getting lax. He again locks Jews inside ghettos. He also forbade them vaccination against smallpox during an epidemic because it was ‘against the natural law’. St. Vicente Ferrer (1350-1419) was a Dominican preacher (Orden de Predicadores) from Valencia, Spain who played a critical role during the events of the late 1300's and early 1400's that led to the forced conversions of thousands of Jews and the massacres of others.

Answer 4

you will find that religion is the basis of 90% of the worlds conflicts.  what goes against Christianity is Christianity.

Answer 5

It's been a long time since I studied the history of the Catholic Church, but yes, there were.  I don't recall if it was Pope Leo, Leonard or Pius, but one (or more were responsible of a number of bloody "engagements."  It may also be of interest that at the end of the late 1400's there was a schism in the church and there were no les than three "popes"serving at the same time.

Answer 6

Why?  Do you just hate Catholics, and want to dig up horror stories about them?  Do you know someone who's Catholic, that you want to get back at?

  Because none of that c**p that happened in the past -Including all the people who suffered due to Protestant persecution - has anything to do with what Christians are like today.

Answer 7

Jeeeeeez pretty much EVERY famous christian did this.  For some really famous examples look at the Spanish Inquisition or the Crusades.  Saints, popes, and 'good' Christian kings ruthlessly suppressed or killed those considered to be pagan or nonbelievers.  The history of the Catholic religion is not a pleasant one and is highly contradictory.