Non-Catholic reactions to Pope Benedict's resignation.

[LisaA]

It’s all very thought provoking.

My grandma suffered & died the same way as BPJPII did, but she did not hold onto any office she previously held. Of course as a housewife and mother she never held anywhere near the level of the office of the Pope in her volunteer positions.

Your answer to two leads me to another question- why would the Holy Spirit have inspired the election of someone who was unable to do the job as PBXVI determined he was unable to do once he with the aid of the Holy Spirit discerned? I really don’t think God is like, “Hahaha I (Holy Spirit) am going to inspire others to give you a position that you can’t handle & then once your in the position I’m going to guide you to leave it rather than giving you the strength needed to do it Hahahaha” I don’t think He’s like that. The Bible says that we can do all things through God Who strengthens us.

This will be a mystery to me.

I’m rather confused. In what way do you think that Pope Benedict “couldn’t do the job?” I think he has been faithful, holy and a strong leader for the Church. But this Pope like all are mortal men, and Pope Benedict has been led to the understanding that his service to the Church doesn’t end but that he cannot fulfill the obligations of the office of Pope given his health.

That other Popes have continued despite age and infirmity doesn’t mean that the Holy Spirit did not guide each of them.

I think your analogy is far too casual and flippant. No one is imagining the Holy Spirit playing some macabre joke. Further Pope Benedict XVI has been a good and faithful servant and deserves to be honoored for a selfless decision.

Lisa

 

[ComeHome2Rome]

I’m rather confused. In what way do you think that Pope Benedict “couldn’t do the job?”

I never said “I” don’t think he can do the job. I thought he was doing just fine. I’ve never heard that he had any health condition. He has always appeared healthy to me. This is a surprise to me because he seems so healthy & capable and because I’ve never personally read of any other pope volunteering to leave his position within the Church, but this morning I did watch EWTN and learned that the ability to resign is written into Canon Law.

 

[skigirl1689]

I join my prayers to those of my Catholic brothers and sisters in imploring the Holy Spirit’s continued guidance of Christ’s church on earth, especially in this seemingly post-Christian culture.

I completely agree with this sentiment!

I was shocked waking up to this news. My prayers are with the Roman Catholic Church as well as there is so much hostility towards the Church and the Christian world as well. The Church remains a constant in Christianity when so many denominations have changed with cultural shifts.

 

[LisaA]

I never said “I” don’t think he can do the job. I thought he was doing just fine. I’ve never heard that he had any health condition. He has always appeared healthy to me. This is a surprise to me because he seems so healthy & capable and because I’ve never personally read of any other pope volunteering to leave his position within the Church, but this morning I did watch EWTN and learned that the ability to resign is written into Canon Law.

During the Christmas season there were a number of TV broadcasts of the Pope and I thought he looked extremely frail and tired. I think up until very recently he felt able to continue on as Pope although in his mid 80s. But he’s also been told not to make any long flights and he was using a cane as well as a moving cart rather than walk the 100 yards to the Altar when celebrating Mass.

Again I am surprised since there has not been a recent precedent but as you said, this is allowed in Canon Law and knowing the thoughtful and Holy nature of this Pope, there is no doubt in my mind that his decision was carefully considered.

Before he was named Pope, Benedict XVI tried to retire so he could return to his books and his writings. He is a very scholarly, professorial Priest. BJPII told him he could NOT resign, that he was needed and being the faithful servant, he put his own desires aside to continue serving the Church.

Lisa

 

[ComeHome2Rome]

Before he was named Pope, Benedict XVI tried to retire so he could return to his books and his writings. He is a very scholarly, professorial Priest. BJPII told him he could NOT resign, that he was needed and being the faithful servant, he put his own desires aside to continue serving the Church.

Lisa

Do you have anyone you hope will be the next Pope? I always like Cardinal Arinze. Will the conclave be called before his resignation so that the new Pope can be elected right away or will the Catholic Church be without a Pope for a while?

 

[Eastsideteacher]

It opens some interesting legal doors. As he’ll be no longer a head a state, is the door now open for him to be subpenoaed to court in other countries or even detained and questioned if be were to leave the Vatican. My guess is that it’s possible and the man may very well never leave the Vatican territory.

 

[JustaServant]

It opens some interesting legal doors. As he’ll be no longer a head a state, is the door now open for him to be subpenoaed to court in other countries or even detained and questioned if be were to leave the Vatican. My guess is that it’s possible and the man may very well never leave the Vatican territory.

Subpenoaed for what?

 

[GaryTaylor]

Do you have anyone you hope will be the next Pope? I always like Cardinal Arinze. Will the conclave be called before his resignation so that the new Pope can be elected right away or will the Catholic Church be without a Pope for a while?

Cardinal Arinze.is 80, by the guidelines set by JP-II he won’t be able to vote or be elected. Pope Benedict steps down officially at 8pm the 13th. He said he hoped the Conclave would follow. I would think they would have a Pope elected for Easter, according to EWTN news anyway

Both Popes, Patriarchs have resigned before its not unprecedented.

 

[LilyM]

Subpenoaed for what?

Allegedly covering up child abuse by clergy I would imagine.

 

[JonNC]

I completely agree with this sentiment!

I was shocked waking up to this news. My prayers are with the Roman Catholic Church as well as there is so much hostility towards the Church and the Christian world as well. The Church remains a constant in Christianity when so many denominations have changed with cultural shifts.

Agree with my Lutheran siblings. Few popes have understood Lutheranism in the way Pope Benedict does. My prayers are with my Catholic friends in this time of transition, and I know the Spirit will guide the Cardinals in their decision.

Jon

 

[Augustus24]

That word is MEANINGLESS to the Holy Spirit.

Which word?

 

[LilyM]

Agree with my Lutheran siblings. Few popes have understood Lutheranism in the way Pope Benedict does. My prayers are with my Catholic friends in this time of transition, and I know the Spirit will guide the Cardinals in their decision.

Jon

I’d imagine being from the heartland and homeland of Lutheranism would be a help to him in that regard. Oddly enough Germans never AFAIK call themselves Lutherans, rather ‘Evangelische’ (Evangelical)

 

[JonNC]

I’d imagine being from the heartland and homeland of Lutheranism would be a help to him in that regard. Oddly enough Germans never AFAIK call themselves Lutherans, rather ‘Evangelische’ (Evangelical)

And that’s the more proper term, or Catholic of the Augsburg Confession.

Jon

 

[twopekinguys]

It opens some interesting legal doors. As he’ll be no longer a head a state, is the door now open for him to be subpenoaed to court in other countries or even detained and questioned if be were to leave the Vatican. My guess is that it’s possible and the man may very well never leave the Vatican territory.

The Vatican is a City/State, and US Subpoenas (or any other country’s) would be meaningless, and unenforceable.

It has already been revealed that he will live out his days within the Vatican.

In addition, there are way to many people lower on the food chain that could be held culpable for legal problems.

I mean really, it would be like going after the President of the US for a street sweeper sideswiping your car.

Unless, of course, you’re only in it for money and attention, then sure, go after him.

Who’s going to look the fool? Him? Don’t think so.

 

[SteveVH]

More thoughts/questions:

1. It seems to be a very humble thing to do, to give up the highest office within the Catholic Church.

His humility lies in stepping aside for the good of the Church. As to giving up the highest office within the Catholic Church, you might be surprised to find out that while considered an honor, it is also considered an immense burden. When John Paul, II became pope he asked God why, after having to endure the Nazis and the Communistis, did he have to bear this burden as well.

1. Since it’s considered the Holy Spirit that guides the cardinals who elect a Pope, is a Pope resigning a rejection of the Holy Spirit? A rejection of God’s Will?

Why would doing something that benefits the Church be a rejection of the Holy Spirit? Benedict said yes to God. I believe he is saying yes to God once again. There is no requirement that a pope stay in office until his death even though that is most common

 

[Grace2013]

Which word?

I think the OP was referring to the word “progressive.”

God is the same yesterday, today and forever…

 

[LilyM]

The Vatican is a City/State, and US Subpoenas (or any other country’s) would be meaningless, and unenforceable.

It has already been revealed that he will live out his days within the Vatican.

In addition, there are way to many people lower on the food chain that could be held culpable for legal problems.

I mean really, it would be like going after the President of the US for a street sweeper sideswiping your car.

Unless, of course, you’re only in it for money and attention, then sure, go after him.

Who’s going to look the fool? Him? Don’t think so.

Extradition? There are ways and means of pursuing at least some alleged wrongdoers across borders.

 

[JustaServant]

Allegedly covering up child abuse by clergy I would imagine.

I know what meant, I just wanted him to elaborate his charge.

 

[LisaA]

I think the OP was referring to the word “progressive.”

God is the same yesterday, today and forever…

Yep that was the word. I have heard via EWTN that the secular media is salivating over the departure of Pope Benedict XVI commenting that maybe now we can sweep aside the mothballs of the past such as male only priesthood, cellibacy, and prohibition of same sex marriage.

They don’t get it do they?

Lisa

 

[LilyM]

Yep that was the word. I have heard via EWTN that the secular media is salivating over the departure of Pope Benedict XVI commenting that maybe now we can sweep aside the mothballs of the past such as male only priesthood, cellibacy, and prohibition of same sex marriage.

They don’t get it do they?

Lisa

They didn’t get it after JP2’s death, why would they get it any better now?