Pope Benedict XVI 'to resign'

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Jennifer_G said:
Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing, “At least he put in a 2 week notice” (I think that’s a general retirement/resignation rule for any workplace, too). I think a 2-week notice is enough for all of the cardinals to gather for a conclave.

I’m guessing/hoping it’ll be someone much younger (maybe even 40s? Are there any young cardinals?), since frequent travel seems to be a modern “requirement” (i.e., an event in the Philippines, then to Brazil the next week, then Spain, and back in Italy)
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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.
 
Namwalker said:
As I recall there was some concern about his age and health was he rose to the papacy. I certainly hope that his successor can continue to bring order out of chaos. We need a young and dynamic leader who is willing to lead by example and continue to work to uplift the laity.

Old age always brings with it certain infirmities but I do hope that the Pope Benedict will be treated and respected as a respected elder statesman of the church and will continue to do more writing, especially is his area of expertise. Just because he is stepping down due to the infirmities of age he should be treated with respect like any retired priest.
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I am sure he will be, at least I would think he would be respected. He has done great things for the Church! He’s been a marvelous Holy Father.👍
 
Teelynn said:
I’m just wondering…obviously he feels he’s not strong enough to continue, and although it was very courageous for John Paul to continue in his ill condition, I’m wondering how he feels about the leadership directly under him. I would think that the Cardinal under him would be making decisions when he is not able to. Possibly, he wants to avoid that? Think of it this way…possibly he will have some pull as to who to put in his place? Am I all wet here?

I don’t know…guess it shows how much I know about succession of the Papacy and what goes on when a Pope resigns. (or retires which ever term is appropriate)😊
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No your right by large. Its also something he has thought about some time and chose to have a say over. I have much faith in his decision. We shall all see and hear together. 😉
 
I wonder why today (Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes)? Is there some symbolism? And why resign on February 28 at 8PM? what is the symbolism of that? (other than the end of the month).
 
CutlerB said:
I am shaking too. I’m not even Catholic (yet, but very soon shall be), but I love Pope Benedict. I admire him deeply.
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I think the love for this Pope is universal. This Pope is greatly loved as was John Paul ll. It has to be an emotional thing for most of us, but God KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING! HE HAS OUR BACK!
 
Pray that we may not undergo the ‘test’!! Pray for strength and perseverance during the times ahead. May God bless Pope Benedict and the Holy Spirit guide EVERY step of our newly elected pope!!! May he be protected under the mantle of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary!!

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you, save souls!!
St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!

+JMJ+
 
No more liberal Pontiffs please!

I pray and wish the best for the Pope and the next one. I predict he will be from the “developing world”.
 
It appears he made his resignation address to the entire world via Vatican Radio. He could have made the declaration to the bishops to be read in Church on Sunday, but chose to announce it to the entire world instead.

And such short notice! This is stunning news.
 
Geist said:
No more liberal Pontiffs please!
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I agree, though I wouldn’t say Benedict was absolutely liberal. He was open to new ways (look at Twitter!), but he certainly was also conservative (Latin Mass). However, I hope the next Pope will be conservative and clear, intelligent and open to discussion, but not at the price of Truth and unity.
 
PazzoGrande said:
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.
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Yes, during the media coverage at the last papal conclave, it was often mentioned that many cardinals were uncomfortable with one person being pope for too long. Reportedly there was some discomfort over picking another pope who might hold office for 20+ years.

Of course, the Holy Spirit will guide the choice, but I would expect someone in their late 60s or early 70s.
 
My guess the next pope will be between 40-65 and either Asian or African.

God bless Pope Benedict XVI!!! :bowdown::harp::bighanky::byzsoc:
 
Dale_M said:
Yes, during the media coverage at the last papal conclave, it was often mentioned that many cardinals were uncomfortable with one person being pope for too long. Reportedly there was some discomfort over picking another pope who might hold office for 20+ years.

Of course, the Holy Spirit will guide the choice, but I would expect someone in their late 60s or early 70s.
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Yeah even John Henry Newman believed that a Papacy over 20 years would be detrimental.

Funny, he was almost beatified by one.
 
Notker23 said:
I wonder how soon conclave will begin? There’s no 9 days mourning or funeral mass to prevent a quick start to conclave, although it will obviously require preparation and such.

And I do realize that this is a very serious topic, but while thinking about the conclave timeline, I couldn’t help find it slightly humorous that the pope effectively put in his two week notice today. How very practical and German of him.
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A new Pope is expected to be elected by mid-March.
 
Geist said:
No more liberal Pontiffs please!

I pray and wish the best for the Pope and the next one. I predict he will be from the “developing world”.
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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.
 
Cardinal Arinze comes to mind, though he’s a bit older than that…
 
If I was a Cardinal voting in the Conclave, and considering that Pope Benedict has just resigned due to demands of the Papacy and his health, I would be looking for a younger Pope. Cardinal Arinze, in my opinion is too old. As a Canadian I would freak out if Cardinal Ouellet were to be the next Pope just as a lot of good Polish people were proud when Pope John Paul II was elected. I would also like Cardinal Burke or Cardinal Pell as well but like what others here have said, the Holy Spirit is in charge so fear not!
 
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