The things we have to answer - Yikes

[mom_07]

Does anyone know anything about this one?

Benedict is obviously not going to imitate any of the more unsavory Popes in the church’s history–such as the guy back in the Middle Ages who dug his dead predecessor out of his grave and literally forced the corpse to attend a conclave in which the dear departed’s memory was mercilessly insulted. I don’t see Benedict doing that kind of stuff, so you fundamentalistic Protestants out there have no cause for alarm.

And this was written by a Catholic replying to the question “How is Pope Benedict doing?” Alas

Of course, it has the anti-Catholics thrilled. Does anyone have to whole story? Is it even true?

Thanks,

Terri

 

[BibleReader]

mom 07:

Does anyone know anything about this one?

And this was written by a Catholic replying to the question “How is Pope Benedict doing?” Alas

Of course, it has the anti-Catholics thrilled. Does anyone have to whole story? Is it even true?

Thanks,

Terri

It is true.

Under Stephen VI, the successor of Boniface, Emperor Lambert and Agiltrude recovered their authority in Rome at the beginning of 897, having renounced their claims to the greater part of Upper and Central Italy. Agiltrude being determined to wreak vengeance on her opponent even after his death, Stephen VI lent himself to the revolting scene of sitting in judgment on his predecessor, Formosus. At the synod convened for that purpose, he occupied the chair; the corpse, clad in papal vestments, was withdrawn from the sarcophagus and seated on a throne; close by stood a deacon to answer in its name, all the old charges formulated against Formosus under John VIII being revived. The decision was that the deceased had been unworthy of the pontificate, which he could not have validly received since he was bishop of another see. All his measures and acts were annulled, and all the orders conferred by him were declared invalid. The papal vestments were torn from his body; the three fingers which the dead pope had used in consecrations were severed from his right hand; the corpse was cast into a grave in the cemetery for strangers, to be removed after a few days and consigned to the Tiber. In 897 the second successor of Stephen had the body, which a monk had drawn from the Tiber, reinterred with full honours in St. Peter’s. He furthermore annulled at a synod the decisions of the court of Stephen VI, and declared all orders conferred by Formosus valid.

newadvent.org/cathen/06139b.htm

 

[mom_07]

It is true.

Great. I thought I had heard something about it before but couldn’t remember.

Any thoughts about how to approach this?

Terri

 

[Roman_Army]

mom 07:

Great. I thought I had heard something about it before but couldn’t remember.

Any thoughts about how to approach this?

Terri

**The Pope is not God. He is clearly capable of sinning just as Bishops, priests, etc. This does not affect the faith. The Pope is infallible only in teaching matters of faith. This incident clearly had to do with nasty politics. **

 

[Eden]

These kinds of things actually strengthen my faith. With 2,000 years of history, the Church still survives despite the odds — and some odd stories — we clearly are protected by the Holy Spirit.

 

[RyanL]

mom 07:

Great. I thought I had heard something about it before but couldn’t remember.

Any thoughts about how to approach this?

Terri

You may want to recall some OT figures, like David, Moses, and Solomon. Pretty awful people at times, but still honored by God. When you start to recount their murders, adultries, etc., it gets pretty bad pretty quickly - not just yelling at corpses, but actually killing, fornicating, and having people murdered! What’s truly inspiring is what God was able to do with these unworthy vessels! Just look at Matt 23 - the Pharasees were completely corrupt, and yet Jesus said, “Do and observe whatever they tell you”! Why would He say that? Because, evil as they were, they predicessors had been give a particular authority by God to exercise in a particular office (Deu 17:8-13). Very powerful stuff.

The complete worthlessness of some of God’s messengers is only a greater testamony to His glory!

God bless,
RyanL

 

[mom_07]

Eden:

These kinds of things actually strengthen my faith. With 2,000 years of history, the Church still survives despite the odds — and some odd stories — we clearly are protected by the Holy Spirit.

Excellent point. Thank you.

Terri

 

[mom_07]

RyanL:

You may want to recall some OT figures, like David, Moses, and Solomon. Pretty awful people at times, but still honored by God. When you start to recount their murders, adultries, etc., it gets pretty bad pretty quickly - not just yelling at corpses, but actually killing, fornicating, and having people murdered! What’s truly inspiring is what God was able to do with these unworthy vessels! Just look at Matt 23 - the Pharasees were completely corrupt, and yet Jesus said, “Do and observe whatever they tell you”! Why would He say that? Because, evil as they were, they predicessors had been give a particular authority by God to exercise in a particular office (Deu 17:8-13). Very powerful stuff.

The complete worthlessness of some of God’s messengers is only a greater testamony to His glory!

God bless,
RyanL

Another excellent point of view to consider. You guys are great. Thanks for your time.

Terri

 

[Marie]

mom 07:

Does anyone know anything about this one?

And this was written by a Catholic replying to the question “How is Pope Benedict doing?” Alas

Of course, it has the anti-Catholics thrilled. Does anyone have to whole story? Is it even true?

Thanks,

Terri

A good article to read is Here-CA Article