In any case, currently this section is strangely out of balance (but maybe so is this issue in general). We have a statement by the Pope, referencing scholarly opinion (whether right or wrong) - we have replies from the Muslim world not actually addressing what the Pope said (he never talked about Medina/Jathrib or Mecca), then eleboration on these Muslims replies, explaining the terms they use (however, a bit inaccurate, as Mohammed did not immediately begin to build a state after arriving in Medina - a sura given at this time would qualify as Medinan, wouldn't it?) and finally this condensending note about the early part of the final stage, actually misrepresenting what the given source says.  (smile back)