Pope Francis has died (updated 21st April 2025)

Rawr · 24-04-2025 02:35PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385548#Comment_123385548

While trying not to go into a thread-derailing historical rabbit hole (and possibly failing..apologies in advance), the "Dark Ages" can also lend their name to unreliable historical records of the time. We are "in the dark" about those times…with the interesting point of The Church being able to maintain their records intact creates the impression that they were the only functioning organisation of the times. This likely had a lot more to do with the protected status of their buildings during many conflicts rather than the lack of any other functioning organisation.

I'd agrue that much like today, "Dark Age" civilsation likely functioned in spite of the Vatican's actions, rather than because of them.

Tying all of that into the event we are discussing, it might be worth considering the Vatican's current system for electing a leader might do well with an update away from those Dark Ages we're talking about. It's essentially a semi-democratic monarchy, which seems to condem itself to electing a elderly leader who will give them a few good years before possibly reaching the point of very limited function.

Although unlikely to ever happen, it would make more sense to treat it like a Presidency, with term limits, to ensure that a fresh office holder can take over before too long. Although that would likely make Vatican politics all kinds of crazy…if it isn't already like that by design…

Red Silurian · 24-04-2025 02:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385264#Comment_123385264

While we are certainly a country with a lot of freedoms I think that all comes despite the catholic churches power so long ago, not because of it. Over the years arguably the church has lost many political wars with our population

You look at a lot of the catholic majority and influenced countries in the world, especially around South America and Africa and that's likely where I think we would be if the church still wielded control here

At the same time I fully appreciate the CC also does a lot of good here, especially for the local communities the PP's are based in. But I think that came from control being swiped from them

randd1 · 24-04-2025 04:09PM

In all honesty, does anyone really care?

Catholic or not, his passing is not going to affect anyone in this country in the slightest, bar a few auld wan's wanting an extra mass.

Strazdas · 24-04-2025 04:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385865#Comment_123385865

Well, the Pope is a head of state and a 'global figure' of sorts : definitely far more influential at an international level than a typical European head of state…..most people couldn't even name most of them.

randd1 · 24-04-2025 04:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385912#Comment_123385912

Well yeah, it's new-worthy for that reason.

But do you care? I'm struggling to think of anyone who really gives a fig that he's passed, as it means nothing to them.

robinwing · 24-04-2025 04:50PM

The Pope dies and stands before the Gates of Heaven.

He knocks and St. Peter opens the Gate.

St.Peter:"Yes?? How can i help you??"

Pope:"I wanna speak with God."

St.Peter:"And you are ???"

Pope frustrated:"Im the Pope!!!"

St. Peter:"Doesnt ring a bell."

Pope very angry:"I DEMAND TO SPEAK WITH GOD!!!"

St.Peter closes the Gate and goes to God.

St.Peter:"My Lord there is someone who wants to talk with you."

God:"Who?"

St.Peter:"He calls himself the Pope."

God:"Who is that supposed to be?"

St.Peter:" I dont know, what should we do with him??"

God:"Let Jesus talk with him, he spent some time down there."

Jesus goes to the Pope.

A few Minutes later Jesus returns Laughing like there is no Tomorrow.

God:"Whats so funny Jesus??"

Jesus:"Father you wont believe this, that Fishing Club i founded 2000 years ago still exists!!!"

silliussoddius · 24-04-2025 06:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385264#Comment_123385264

Or maybe it was two way and Western Culture also influenced the church. Back in the day the church done and supported some horrible things; I would say there would be massive outrage if the Church of Rome were to announce an inquisition, a crusade or support an invasion of a country etc., but wasn't this all ok one time?

elperello · 24-04-2025 10:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385920#Comment_123385920

If you just watch the reports from Rome you'll see thousands filing past his coffin.

You will hear interviews with people explaining how they feel about the man and his passing.

standardg60 · 24-04-2025 10:26PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123386873#Comment_123386873

The Vatican announced that 61k had passed by his coffin as of this afternoon, hardly groundbreaking. Interviews conducted with tourists who were going to be there anyway.

Are you heading over yourself?

elperello · 24-04-2025 10:35PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123386902#Comment_123386902

Surely that number of people shows that there are many more world wide who feel the loss.

I heard interviews with some who travelled as well.

No I'm not going but that's not surprising as I'm not RC myself.

kneemos · 24-04-2025 10:41PM

I don't get it. I mean he's dead.

Do they just want to say they saw the pope?

elperello · 24-04-2025 10:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123386947#Comment_123386947

Did you ever go to a wake or queue up to pay your respects at a funeral home ?

It's a bit like that only more formal.

standardg60 · 24-04-2025 10:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123386925#Comment_123386925

Give me a break. You posted the 'good news' that he was out and about on Sunday. Why would you be bothered if you're not RC?

elperello · 24-04-2025 10:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123386981#Comment_123386981

Steady now...

I have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances some are members of religions and some are not.

This being Ireland many are RC and I was pleased for them.

Raichų · 25-04-2025 12:10AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123386981#Comment_123386981

in fairness do you need to be catholic to not be upset an old man isn’t dead? I don’t know tbh.

cj maxx · 25-04-2025 07:24PM

My money is on Tagle , a Filipino cardinal to be next Pope . But I can’t find a bookies taking bets

Hotblack Desiato · 25-04-2025 08:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385865#Comment_123385865

You think the pupils in 90% of our primary schools were just let this event pass them by?

They'll have been told what to think and what to believe, they should be sad because a guy who ran a church most of them don't go to has died

Hotblack Desiato · 25-04-2025 08:54PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385912#Comment_123385912

Head of a pseudo-state that only exists because Mussolini wanted to appease Catholics 100 years ago - but this status has proven very useful

When attempts are made to hold them accountable under international law as a state, it's "oh no, we're a church"

When attempts are made to hold the church accountable, it's "we're a state and we have diplomatic immunity"

Hotblack Desiato · 25-04-2025 08:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123386961#Comment_123386961

Only if I knew the person. It's a bit ghoulish otherwise tbh.

Raichų · 25-04-2025 09:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123389736#Comment_123389736

so do you have any proof of this at all because it’s something I’m sure I’ve asked you before and been ignored?

Just cos my two kids are both in a “catholic” school (based only on the proximity from home and it’s frankly the best school in the area) but they are not told what to believe?

There’s also numerous children of various faiths and ethnic backgrounds so I don’t envision this would pan out well regardless- but anyway- do you have ANY modern and pointed examples of children being told what to think with regards religion or any other subject indeed?

I get you have a thing against the church and I do side with you to a point I have no resentment towards them however. But anyway, I’d love to see what examples you have to support this claim of yours.

Jim_Hodge · 25-04-2025 09:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123389736#Comment_123389736

As they have all been on holidays this week, I doubt it'll be even mentioned when they're back at school. But let's all be indignant and outraged about something we purely imagine.

Hotblack Desiato · 25-04-2025 09:33PM

Oh so it's just a matter of timing 😛 that'll no doubt be made up for next week and the election and stuff

Why do you think this church is so determined to keep control of 89% of primary schools? Why are they opposing what parents and teachers want? In the developed world, tiny kids who have no critical thinking are their last hope

Oíche Na Gaoithe Móire · 25-04-2025 09:41PM

This thread should have been confined to people wishing to pay tribute to Pope Francis.

There are several threads to discuss Catholicism and education in Ireland, Clerical abuse and redress. All very important issues.

This thread has been hijacked and certain posters given free reign.

Mod Edit: Warned for backseat moderation

kneemos · 25-04-2025 09:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123389968#Comment_123389968

Free to start one.

Hotblack Desiato · 25-04-2025 09:44PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123389784#Comment_123389784

Not told what to believe, I mean, really? have you read their religion book?

Do your kids go to the only RCC controlled primary school in Ireland which does not carry out sacramental preparation? That's the very definition of telling kids what to believe - during the normal school day too.

What happens to the kids of non-catholic parents when they look to exercise their right to not have their child attend (NB - not attend, not just not participate in, and look up the Constitution if you don't believe me) catholic religious instruction in that school?