Pope Benedict XVI 'to resign'

[pepipop]

CNN did just moments ago.
Big surprise there.

The BBC has been at it, since the first minute the news was released. Their reasons for his resignation being: He ‘most likely’ is resigning due to the stress of his mishandling of the sex abuse scandals. Sex and scandals has been mentioned nearly every 10 minutes since!

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I just looked at the headline and I’m stunned, and saddened. I love Benedict !! May God always bless him. I think the Papacy has taken a big toll on him, he does look frail now and it’s been a short time. Please let the Cardinals choose someone YOUNGER this time, able to handle the rigors of the Office and the travels, etc.

May God give Pope Benedict strength and peace.



Always praying for the Pope’s intentions.

 

[PazzoGrande]

The BBC has been at it, since the first minute the news was released. Their reasons for his resignation being: He ‘most likely’ is resigning due to the stress of his mishandling of the sex abuse scandals. Sex and scandals has been mentioned nearly every 10 minutes since!

Wow. I hate how the British media has been covering the Vatican.

The American media is bad too, but it’s mostly bad out of stupidity. The British media is just malicious.

 

[CutlerB]

The BBC has been at it, since the first minute the news was released. Their reasons for his resignation being: He ‘most likely’ is resigning due to the stress of his mishandling of the sex abuse scandals. Sex and scandals has been mentioned nearly every 10 minutes since!

This is so ridiculous. Why should the media accept an official pronouncement, when they suuuurely know better?

 

[kelvinf]

The BBC has been at it, since the first minute the news was released. Their reasons for his resignation being: He ‘most likely’ is resigning due to the stress of his mishandling of the sex abuse scandals. Sex and scandals has been mentioned nearly every 10 minutes since!

This is not so true. I have been watching the BBC online since the beginning. In fact, lots of conservative Catholics have been interviewed, messages from various Church officials have been broadcast etc.

 

[Filii_Dei]

The BBC has been at it, since the first minute the news was released. Their reasons for his resignation being: He ‘most likely’ is resigning due to the stress of his mishandling of the sex abuse scandals. Sex and scandals has been mentioned nearly every 10 minutes since!

Are we watching the same news channel? I’ve been watching it for the past two hours and I haven’t heard that from the BBC reporters, and certainly not every 10 minutes.

I have heard the sexual abuse scandals being mentioned, but it was more in the context of his legacy in the Church, such as having to handle controversies like aforementioned scandals, and how his papacy was constantly under siege by the media witch hunt.

If there’s anyone that linked it directly with the resignation, it would have been one of the invited speakers. Of course, some of them are rather rubbish, what about wanting the Church to ‘change with the times’ and all that. And did I mentioned the tweets and emails that called for a Pope that accepted homosexuality and female priests?

 

[SilverCamellia]

Pray that we may not undergo the ‘test’!!

What does this mean?

 

[CatholicGeek1]

Is the issue really that… earthly?

I mean, the Pope is supposed to be guided by the Holy Spirit. How can a Pope be “ideologically” incorrect? Not possible.

 

[Cider]

ok I did not read all 9 pages. I just saw it on La Stampa

lastampa.it/2013/02/11/esteri/the-pope-will-resign-DDaMQVved9qbxDTmc1TIdK/pagina.html

The shock announcement was made during today’s consistory: “My strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry”
ANDREA TORNIELLI
Benedict XVI has decided to step down from the papacy this coming 28 February. The Pope communicated his decision in a surprise announcement during the consistory for the new canonizations. This is the first time a move of its kind has been seen in the modern era. Benedict XVI explained the weight of his role was too much for him, that he had meditated on the decision for a long time and that he took this decision for the good of the Catholic Church.

“”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,” the Pope said. The decision which the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, defined as “a lighting bolt from the clear blue sky.” The Pope had alluded to the possibility of resignation - mentioned in the Code of Canon Law - in his interview with Peter Seewald published in a book entitled “Light of the World”, in November 2010: “When a Pope arrives at a clear awareness that he no longer has the physical, mental, or psychological capacity to carry out the task that has been entrusted to him, then he has the right, and in some cases, even the duty to resign”.

 

[mellowcalico]

For what it’s worth, the radio news here is saying that the Pope was recently told he should not make transatlantic flights due to health and they are implying his health is why he is resigning.

Whatever the reason, I trust what Pope Benedict knows what he is doing and is doing the right thing after much prayer and reflection. It’s shocking news to be sure and sad, but I also trust in the Holy Father’s wisdom on this.

 

[pepipop]

Are we watching the same news channel? I’ve been watching it for the past two hours and I haven’t heard that from the BBC reporters, and certainly not every 10 minutes.

I have heard the sexual abuse scandals being mentioned, but it was more in the context of his legacy in the Church, such as having to handle controversies like aforementioned scandals, and how his papacy was constantly under siege by the media witch hunt.

If there’s anyone that linked it directly with the resignation, it would have been one of the invited speakers. Of course, some of them are rather rubbish. What about wanting the Church to ‘change with the times’ and all that.

I haven’t watched it since the first 30 minutes after the news was released. However, within the first few minutes of the announcement, the sex scandals were mentioned. There were others being interviewed that were respectful of the Pope and again they were asked how did they think the sex scandals affected him and his handling of it. So possibly they have reduced their references to it, as I said I only listened to the first 30 minutes after the news was released - maybe they’ve thought of more things to say about the Catholic Chuirch since then!

 

[Mrs_Sally]

I think John Paul II had a mission at the end about the sanctity of Life. Pope Benedict XVI is in a more normative situation and making a valid prudential judgement.

We have been extremely, extremely blessed that we have been given these two Popes who have nourished our spirituality with their leadership and writings. They have kept the Church both relevant and uncompromising in the defense of our faith.

I hope he continues to write.

God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, please grant us another great leader for our times. Amen.

Yes, I absolutely agree! JPII had something very important to teach the world about the value of life even when a person is old, frail, and sick. BXVI is teaching us something else. And I am absolutely certain that they are/were both moved by the Holy Spirit.

Praying very hard.

 

[Carolus_Martell]

I’m in a state of shock and have already recited a couple of Rosaries already.

If this is a prelude to the end times…may God have mercy on us.

 

[Seeker1961]

I applaud him for putting the Church first, and having the ability to look at himself objectively and know that the job is just too much for him now.

Whether you agree with how he handled the abuse crisis or not-I don’t think anyone could not understand that the crisis would take a tremendous toll on the person in charge. Let’s remember that he’s not dealing with one priest in one diocese-he’s been forced to deal with ALL of it, and as it grieves us, it has to have grieved him more. I don’t think anyone could go through that and not have it take a significant toll, and for one who has invested his entire being in loving and leading the Church it has to have been enormous. I don’t think mentioning that is persecuting the church or treating him with disrespect.

I wish him peace in his retirement.

 

[kelvinf]

For what it’s worth, the radio news here is saying that the Pope was recently told he should not make transatlantic flights due to health.

That is what his brother said doctors said.

 

[jwinch2]

I hate to see this, I really do. I was hoping we would have him of sound mind and body for several years to come yet. However, I do understand his reasoning in that we do need a Pope who is capable of acting with swiftness and surety.

Now the question to my mind is will we get someone as orthodox and bold as he is. In the last conclave, the dissenters on the left and the faithful Catholics with modernist tendencies were very disappointed at his election, not to mention those in the media. This may sound harsh, but I hope they have abundant cause for consternation this time around.

I hate to lose him, absolutely hate it.

 

[kelvinf]

I haven’t watched it since the first 30 minutes after the news was released.

That explains everything.

 

[deweyph]

I think we can expect one in his 60s.

If they elect one in his 40s, he could be there for 40 years – longer than even Peter was Pope.

How about Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Phils, 56, the 2nd youngest Cardinal in the Church? A theologian and known for his charismatic nature.

Seeing the accomplishments of JP II and Benedict XVI, the next pope has big shoes to fill in.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

And now for a bit of levity - this is from someone who pretends to be Queen Elizabeth on Twitter, has some really funny tweets, and has written a book. There are a few inside jokes in this, as usual, but if you know anything about England and the Monarchy, you will get them.

Dear Pope Benedict

Dear Pope Benedict

Your Holiness,

Thank you for the text message this morning informing one of your resignation. One does apologise for not replying straight away but one had an early morning meeting with a bacon sandwich, which overran.

One was aware that you have been thinking of ‘going Dutch’ and following the example of the Queen of the Netherlands for some time, particularly after you were unsuccessful in your application for the post of Archbishop of Canterbury.

One must say though that one would have thought you might have waited until after Valentine’s Day to make the announcement.

Of course, we English have had something of a love/hate relationship with the Catholic Church over the years, and it is true to say that Henry VIII wasn’t a fan – having set up his own Church in competition.

As you know, Charles tried to do the same thing in later years, but the idea never really got off the ground – although apparently Tom Cruise was interested.

One will remember with affection your visit to the United Kingdom is 2010, (the first visit by a Pope since we went our own religious way), and catching up on the 500 years we haven’t been speaking. One was particularly pleased to have had an opportunity to show you the Royal archives to demonstrate how well we’ve managed without Papal leadership.

The people of the United Kingdom will certainly remember seeing you driving around in your little Popemobile like a religious Postman Pat delivering your message first thing in the morning, when the day is dawning.

Prince Charles of course is very upset. First Queen Beatrice and now yourself: two world/religious vacancies that he is sadly not eligible to apply for. One has explained though that, whilst standing down before the job is done may be all the rage on the continent, this side of the Channel it is considered a little self-indulgent.

One shall look forward to working with your successor. One understands that Tony Blair has already sent off for an application pack. Although one must admit that if there is to be smoke associated with Tony Blair going up a chimney, one sincerely hopes it’s not proclaiming him leader of a world religious movement (or any movement, come to think of it).

Needless to say, you have one’s very best wishes for a long and happy retirement. One knows that you are looking forward to having more time to yourself, and one does hope that the snowboarding lessons go well.

Keep in touch – one does love to receive your texts.

As ever your loving Queen.

Elizabeth R
Queen, Defender of the Faith, Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Still reigning.

 

[Filii_Dei]

I haven’t watched it since the first 30 minutes after the news was released. However, within the first few minutes of the announcement, the sex scandals were mentioned. There were others being interviewed that were respectful of the Pope and again they were asked how did they think the sex scandals affected him and his handling of it. So possibly they have reduced their references to it, as I said I only listened to the first 30 minutes after the news was released - maybe they’ve thought of more things to say about the Catholic Chuirch since then!

I caught it when it first broke on BBC (I was incidentally watching the channel at that time), and I did watch the part you mentioned. As you said, the first few invited speakers seemed quite close to the Church, and the reporters did ask them about his handling of the sexual abuse crisis, but it was, as I said, either done in the context of his legacy or a long list of difficult problems he had to tackle as Pope. That’s a long shot from the reporters insisting that his resignation was about the sexual abuse scandals.

That being said, I’m tired of the media bringing up the topic every time. I think I shared the view with a lady who came on later, and when the interviewer mentioned something about the Church changing with the times, she gave them a lecture on how the Church was about the eternal, not the temporary.

To the presenters’ credit though, they dwelt a good amount of time on how he had to tackle so many issues in the Catholic Church despite his ill health and advancing age, remaining one of the world’s most respected people in an age full of conniving politicians.