Benedict XVI to resign...

Sacksian

Just announced - last time a Pope resigned was Gregory XII in 1400s

dvpower

Sacksian wrote: »

Just announced - last time a Pope resigned was Gregory XII in 1400s

First PDN, and now this.:eek:

Silvio.Dante

Any news links to this..?

jhegarty

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21411304

Silvio.Dante

Wow, that is a shock but I wish him every happiness and a long and healthy retirement...

lmaopml

They're speculating that it is health related. Apparently there will be a press conference soon - Quite shocking that he is resigning though, really unexpected.

Baggio1

i believe he is being forced out,,,, watch this story carefully and his replacement too

Manach

Looking at television casts over the past few months, he did seem to grow frail but as his intellect seemed as strong as every this does come as a surprise.
May he have a carefree retirement.

totus tuus

A snippet of his letter:

The 85-year-old's resignation letter said: "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.
"I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.
"However, in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, 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 recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me."

http://news.sky.com/story/1050513/pope-benedict-resigns-vatican-confirms

jhegarty

Full Text

Dear Brothers,
I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, 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. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.
Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.
From the Vatican, 10 February 2013

Benny_Cake

That's quite a bolt from the blue! He didn't seem any less healthy than the average 85 year old but it's a responsible decision if he feels unable to continue. I can't say I always agreed with him, but I hope he has a happy retirement, he always seemed more academically minded so he'll have time to devote to study and writing.

lmaopml

When Pope JPII became ill, it was the then Cardinal Ratzinger that would have been very close to him and effectively ran things. Perhaps Pope Benedict realising the needs of the Church today has prayed and come to the conclusion that while Pope JPII was a great witness to perseverance in suffering, that the Church would be better served by a younger and healthier person in these times, who could play a more pastoral role.

I think it was a very brave decision. I'm kind of shocked, but I think he believes he is doing what the role needs today, and I think he must have prayed on it a lot. I wish him the very best - a great man!

MrPudding

totus tuus wrote: »

They got his age wrong his will be 85 in April not 78 as reported. He has gotten frail over the past few months - I wish him well!

The reports I have read say he was 78 when he became pope, not that he is now 78.

MrP

Benny_Cake

lmaopml wrote: »

I think it was a very brave decision. I'm kind of shocked, but I think he believes he is doing what the role needs today, and I think he must have prayed on it a lot. I wish him the very best - a great man!

I think it takes a good deal of courage to accept that you are no longer up to a particular job (and what a demanding job), so it's a brave decision. It may even be the start of a new tradition.

ping123

This is a complete shock, but wish him all the best

lmaopml

Benny_Cake wrote: »

I think it takes a good deal of courage to accept that you are no longer up to a particular job (and what a demanding job), so it's a brave decision. It may even be the start of a new tradition.

Absolutely - and I'm not surprised that he was the man for the task. It takes courage to have convictions and stand up for them.

I thought it was brilliant that nobody knew, absolutely nobody, not even in the vatican - just him and God made the decision - Cool!

Run_to_da_hills

According to Malachy's predictions, isn't Pope Benedict supposed to be the second last pope.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_of_the_Popes

lmaopml

lol All the speculators are out in force, no surprise.

St. Malachy only went as far as the Pope after Pope Benedict, but he never said that he would be the last Pope as far as I know Run to da hills.

I hope he keeps his Tweet account

Morbert

I thought the whole purpose of hiring people in their later years to be Pope was so they wouldn't stay Pope for too long?

It is indeed speculation, but I would imagine the rough patch the Church is going through, regarding scandals and whatnot, has added an extra layer of stress.

Aquarius34

lmaopml wrote: »

I hope he keeps his Tweet account

I doubt it. (can't help but smile)

Keylem

Wishing him a blessed and peaceful retirement!

keano_afc

I'll continue to pray for his salvation.

Run_to_da_hills

Aquarius34 wrote: »

Didn't see that. Will have a read out of interest.

The Catholic church is over. Other plans are set forward now. Not plans I'd agree with either, but that would only be saying to much from my side.

Benedict XVI Is the Second-to-Last Pope, Says Irish Prophet Malachy

http://abcnews.go.com/International/benedict-xvi-pope-irish-prophet-malachy/story?id=8499430

Benny_Cake

OK, there are a lot of posts here that are little more than reflexive church-bashing, and others which has would be better suited to the thread on this very subject on A&A or the Atheism megathread. Let's not have the usual nonsense, please.

Aquarius34

Second last or last, has to be one or the other. Everything is planned in years in advanced, so soon times shall tell.

jonniebgood1

He is an old man so I wish him well in retirement but it does make me think of a question from an history point of view which I will put out there following this resignation:

What achievements of note, or what benefit has this man been to the world?

totus tuus

jonniebgood1 wrote: »

He is an old man so I wish him well in retirement but it does make me think of a question from an history point of view which I will put out there following this resignation:

What achievements of note, or what benefit has this man been to the world?

He created lots of Conservative Cardinals!

On a serious note, he will be remembered especially for steering the Church back to traditional liturgy.

totus tuus

Lightning struck the dome of St. Peter within hours of the Pope's announcement! Cool or what!



Link to video below!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21421810

I Heart Internet

I think this is a dignified, sensible, selfless decision by BXVI. A radical one that reforms how Popes will view their role in the future. He has been a good shepard. Others will have varied reasons to thank or, indeed, criticise him. I will thank him for his writings but most of all for his work to restore the traditional form of the roman rite as the extraordinary form. It was important that he did it and that it was done now - as he was himself present at Vatican II. By doing this he has helped to ensure that the Mass of Ages is not lost and that future generations will experience it (as we have).

Well done Holy Father. Enjoy your retirement.

Run_to_da_hills

totus tuus wrote: »

Lightning struck the dome of St. Peter within hours of the Pope's announcement! Cool or what!



Link to video below!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21421810

His dove of peace gets attacked a fortnight ago.




http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2269255/Popes-dove-peace-ends-pieces-Seagull-attacks-bird-seconds-Pontiff-releases-Vatican-balcony.html#axzz2KgcFhhAv

Gumbi

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

His dove of peace gets attacked a fortnight ago.

Point?

tommy2bad

I Heart Internet wrote: »

I think this is a dignified, sensible, selfless decision by BXVI. A radical one that reforms how Popes will view their role in the future. He has been a good shepard. Others will have varied reasons to thank or, indeed, criticise him. I will thank him for his writings but most of all for his work to restore the traditional form of the roman rite as the extraordinary form. It was important that he did it and that it was done now - as he was himself present at Vatican II. By doing this he has helped to ensure that the Mass of Ages is not lost and that future generations will experience it (as we have).

Well done Holy Father. Enjoy your retirement.

Indeed, while JP II showed the dignity in infirmity, Benedict has shown that their is also dignity in accepting your limitations.

Blueboyd

Gumbi wrote: »

Point?

I don't know. The first free association that came into my mind was that the real Holy Spirit in the form of Jonathan Livingston Seagull came to whip the s*it out of a fake dove of an abusive church. And later the lighning struck the the dome as a warning to the other wrong-doers who still hide inside the church. But no one should fear.

I Heart Internet

Must say, I found this funny. Sums up my feelings on all the "experts" in the meeja offering their views.

The Catholic Church, it's doctrines, politics and liturgy is the only realm where one can be almost entirely ignorant of facts but still expect a hearing.

hinault

I too would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Pope Benedict for his work as Pope and accepting the heavy burden that goes with office.

I wish him good health and long life.

totus tuus

Thought I'd add a little humour!

lmaopml

Aw, I think we don't realise the theologian we've lost! Handing in the 'notice' - how very cool, and not a little German in practicality too Ha! A pragmatist and also a couragous decision, by a very deep and spiritual man, going by his very many books as a legacy.

I always liked Benedict even before he became Pope, perhaps because his writings are very powerful insights. His homily on Ash Wednesday, actually 'any' homily he wrote on Ash Wednesday during his pontificate are a humble call to unity and to being couragous but mostly authentic. Cutting through the politics and down to real authentic business...

I'll miss him, but onwards we go...

Aquarius34

That picture is the best thing to come out of his resignation, let's just hope the wind blows stronger on the next pope.;):D

lmaopml

Aquarius34 wrote: »

That picture is the best thing to come out of his resignation, let's just hope the wind blows stronger on the next pope.;):D

Hmm, one could take that any way Aquarius, but in the interests of all people, I genuinly believe that it's not so much important about how the wind blows, but that he is treated a little better than Benedict was and that a genuinly well meaning and spiritual person could be recognised for what they are, by not only Catholics but also by a frenzied media - whom I might add have stereotyped not only my brothers and sisters who attend mass as something that we are not, but also those who have given their lives over like very very many clergy who you will seldom hear a good word about, and are free for all ridiculed, sometimes without meaning harm, but others not so much, which is very very hurtful.

Aquarius34

lmaopml wrote: »

Hmm, one could take that any way Aquarius, but in the interests of all people, I genuinly believe that it's not so much important about how the wind blows, but that he is treated a little better than Benedict was and that a genuinly well meaning and spiritual person could be recognised for what they are, by not only Catholics but also by a frenzied media - whom I might add have stereotyped not only my brothers and sisters who attend mass as something that we are not, but also those who have given their lives over like very very many clergy who you will seldom hear a good word about, and are free for all ridiculed, sometimes without meaning harm, but others not so much, which is very very hurtful.

Why should he get treated better. He should be treated like everyone else and not be worshiped in the manner that he does be. I don't see him above anyone, just as I don't see Queen Elizabeth above anyone, just as I won't see the next (and last) Pope as any different. I don't even understand why humans look up to these people. If you put yourself in the a leader position expect people to love and hate and all in between. I don't believe they are "leaders" to begin with. They are just representing societies and filling in roles. If they can't handle it, then they shouldn't be holding the roles they place themselves in. I have no sympathy for any of them, and I have absolutely no sympathy for anything with regards to the Church, Vatican and the Pope's place in it.

Everything has it's cause and effect here lmaoPml. What one put's out one get's back. If you're going to stand for the Catholic church don't expect it to be an easy ride and believe that everything is just going to be great when you know full well what kind of acts the church has been playing and been involved with over the course of it's history up to the present day. In fact, the Catholic church doesn't get the baiting it truly deserves because most people don't realise how corrupt the Vatican is and they do see that the Vatican itself has been built on very bad principles and foundations "You can't grow fruitful apples on a bad tree "It's one of the worlds richest organisations and that has a lot to be said for. I am not gullible and it would be insulting my intelligence to mollycolly this and agree to your sentiments....

Besides, Pope Benedict, is not the real pope, hes just the front for the Vatican for people to look up too. There is a black pope who runs the Vatican from the inside. They would be as you would know them to be, the Jesuits. You can believe whatever you want of it. You can perceive this however you want from it but there a lot more to the running of the vatican and Pope Benedict does not hold the entire Vatican within the palm of his hands like people are expected to believe to be as true.

lmaopml

Aquarius34 wrote: »

Why should he get treated better. He should be treated like everyone else and not be worshiped in the manner that he does. I don't see him above anyone, just as I don't see Queen Elizabeth above anyone, just as I won't see the next (and last) Pope any different. I don't even understand why humans look up to these people.

Everything has it's cause and effect here lmaoPml. What one put's out one get's back. If you're going to stand for the Catholic church don't expect it to be an easy ride and believe that everything is just going to be great when you know full well what kind of acts the church has been playing and been involved with over the course of it's history up to the present day. In fact, the Catholic church doesn't get the baiting it truly deserves because most people don't realise how corrupt the Vatican is and they do see that the Vatican itself has been built on very bad principles. "You can't grow fruitful apples on a bad tree "It's one of the worlds richest organisations and that has a lot to be said for. I am not gullible and it would be insulting my intelligence to mollycolly this and agree to your sentiments....

Besides, Pope Benedict, is not the real pope, hes just the front for the Vatican for people to look up too. There is a black pope who runs the Vatican from the inside. They would be as you would know them to be, the Jesuits. You can believe whatever you want of it. You can perceive this however you want from it but there a lot more to the running of the vatican and Pope Benedict does not hold the entire Vatican within the palm of his hand.

lol, ok!

tommy2bad

Pope Benedict, is not the real pope, hes just the front for the Vatican for people to look up too. There is a black pope who runs the Vatican from the inside. They would be as you would know them to be, the Jesuits.

I knew it would be the Jesuits, them or the Templars or the Illuminati with the help of the Freemasons of course.

Aquarius34

tommy2bad wrote: »

I knew it would be the Jesuits, them or the Templars or the Illuminati with the help of the Freemasons of course.

Yes, the Jesuits rule the Vatican, it's a pretty common fact and should be obvious to most people.

Benny_Cake

Aquarius34 banned for one week.

jonniebgood1

lmaopml wrote: »

Hmm, one could take that any way Aquarius, but in the interests of all people, I genuinly believe that it's not so much important about how the wind blows, but that he is treated a little better than Benedict was and that a genuinly well meaning and spiritual person could be recognised for what they are, by not only Catholics but also by a frenzied media - whom I might add have stereotyped not only my brothers and sisters who attend mass as something that we are not, but also those who have given their lives over like very very many clergy who you will seldom hear a good word about, and are free for all ridiculed, sometimes without meaning harm, but others not so much, which is very very hurtful.

In what way was Benedict unfairly treated?

I would consider that he is held in high esteem due mostly to the position he holds.

anushka

As Pope benedict Finishes his last hours as Pope, I wish him well, and hope he enjoys what time he has left.

I Heart Internet

^ Hear, hear ^

The Pope has (soon) resigned. Long live the next Pope and Pope Emeritus.

Blue Magic

First pope to resign in over half a millennium... So what is the real reason?

Perhaps...

http://www.theweek.co.uk/religion/51647/pope-quit-after-gay-clergy-network-discovered-vatican

anushka

Blue Magic, That is the question a lot of us are asking ourselves_I dont think we will ever really get an answer to it. I read your link, as the vatican has neither denied or confirmed the allegations we are left in 'limbo'.

DEFTLEFTHAND

A man of the books, intelligent and articulate. I wish him nothing but the best.