Benedict XVI resigns

[madchives]

what a surprise

[madchives]

very surprising that a pope would resign so soon

[erin9mmm]

Apparently the last time that happened was in the 1400's. Seems like there could be another reason that they're just not telling.

Pontiff cites 'advanced age' in stepping down

[madchives]

is startling - and if one watches the news could be a ton of reasons,
although i'm not a religious person i hope his health is good.
hard to have gone through what he did to get to be pope,
and now,,,

[erin9mmm]

That's why it seems like there is more to the story. There has been no mention of his health declining and as for age, well popes have never been spring chickens.

[Darth Penguin]

Pope to step down Feb 28

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month in an unexpected development, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.
He became Pope in 2005 following John Paul II's death.
Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era, which has been marked by pontiffs dying while in office.

[madchives]

hey erin, there is always more to the story.
lots of subjects for the catholic church to consider over the last few years,
but i don't think it is any of those.

thinking it is personal

[Natalka]

Wow, what news to wake up to!

I think it's very brave and humble of him to do this, as he said in today's world "...both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me."

Full text
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle8435090/

He's 85, and was one of the oldest popes elected in 2005 when he was 78.

He's been a great Pope, having taken over when things were very difficult in The Church.

The previous pope had been incapacitated for quite some time before his death, so I think Pope Benedict believing he should resign because of ill health is maybe a good precedent - to move on with the Papal succession without there being the death of a Pope and the ensuing Conclave happening at a time of mourning.

[saddlebag]

I was raised catholic.....and not to be rude...but these ancient guys are not the best choice for making decisions that need to be made in this day and age.

[Patty Smyth]

Good riddance.

Maybe the guilt finally got to him. He was in charge of the "investigations" during the reign of JP II. He knows who they all are, he moved them around from church to chirch, he has all the files, complaints, reports in a room in the vatican. Let's hope they can be made public.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/abuse-...ry?id=14509592

[Natalka]

That's why it seems like there is more to the story. There has been no mention of his health declining and as for age, well popes have never been spring chickens.

"Since reportedly suffering a stroke in 1991, Benedict has suffered a series of health scares. In November 2006, it was reported that he had a routine heart examination. In July 2009, he was hospitalised after falling and breaking his wrist in the Alps.


Cardinal Philippe Barbarin of France revealed that the Pope has long suffered a heart condition and has been taking medication since his initial stroke.


Early in his pontificate, Benedict himself predicted that he would have a short papacy because of his health.

...Last year the Pope started using a cane on occasions and recently he appeared to have trouble reading the text of an address he delivered in Rome."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/reli...to-resign.html

[madchives]

guessing i'd feel more about any pope if my relatives didn't leave ireland because of
the 'catholics'
heard too much about ammonia bombs on my aunts (not catholics)
and have realized religion is never the answer

[madchives]

guessing i wish one the these popes would admit to what some have allowed lately,
sorry but,,,

[Darth Penguin]

[vesper]

So sad all the conspriacy nuts are out in full force. I'm not catholic, but I admire this group for centuries of good work and making the world a better place, it boggles my mind how these internet nuts treat the pope and Catholics so harshly!