Pope Benedict XVI in shock resignation

www.bbc.co.uk...

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month in an unexpected development, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85. He became Pope in 2005 following John Paul II's death. Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era, which has been marked by pontiffs dying while in office. Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he is "greatly shaken by this unexpected news". The BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says the news has come "out of the blue", and that there was no speculation whatsoever about the move in recent days. A Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said that even the Pope's closest aides did not know what he was planning to do and were left "incredulous". At 78, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest new popes in history when elected. He took the helm as one of the fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades - the scandal of child sex abuse by priests - was breaking. The Vatican says it expects the period between the Pope's resignation and the election of his successor to be as brief as possible, but there has been no confirmation on when cardinals will meet to choose a new pontiff. In a statement, the pontiff said: "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. "I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. "However, 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 steer the boat of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me. "For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is." A German government spokesman said he was "moved and touched" by the surprise resignation of the German-born pontiff. "The German government has the highest respect for the Holy Father, for what he has done, for his contributions over the course of his life to the Catholic Church. "He has left a very personal signature as a thinker at the head of the Church, and also as a shepherd."

Isn't he the last pope according to some Bible versions....

Originally posted by maddy21

Isn't he the last pope according to some Bible versions....

That theory isn't Bible-related.
Just following through the prophecy of a mediaeval monk.

Originally posted by maddy21
Isn't he the last pope according to some Bible versions....

You are thinking of the Prophecies of St. Malachy .. which are not official church teaching but instead are something of lore and legend. They may or may not be valid prophecies.

I'm not surprised by his resignation. When he was elected, his own brother said he'd be pope for 5 years but probably no more than that due to his age and health.

Pope Benedict worked very closely with Pope John Paul II and so he saw how ineffective a feeble pope can be. The bulk of the sex abuse cases came out during the reign of John Paul II .. and that pope was unable to keep up with the job or understand what was happening. So Benedict is resigning because he understands that a pope has to be able to actually do the job. And he is no longer able to.

Personally, Ratzinger (pope benedict) hasn't done much that I approve of. Most things he's come out with or has done have really irked me. However, I applaud his decision to resign due to advanced age and inability to do the job. For this, he gets a from me.

Just thought I'd add this in there if anyone was wondering. This is just odd to be happening.
Last Pope

"In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit [i.e., as bishop]. Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations: and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the terrible judge will judge his people. The End."

From what I have read this Pope is the last one before the one who brings it all undone. So literally he is the second last and there is, apparently , one more. Let's wait for the white smoke or is it the black smoke??!!!

Much Peace...

Wow!

Personally, I think it's quite ironic. I've left intolerable jobs and given reasons of "family obligation" - because the jobs were sucking me dry and making me inaccessible to those I really love; AND because the organizations were screwed up.

I don't blame the guy one bit. He's fortunate to have the freedom to do so! Maybe we'll get some insider knowledge now.
And, ....
it's just too bad that the committee can't consider His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the new Pope. Ah, what a refreshing change that would be!!

reply to post by maddy21


I wonder if it has anything to do with people talking about the Pope and covering up pedophilia for the church.

freakoutnation.com...

The Catholic Church Exposed in Film: Pedophile Priests

On February 5, a remarkable and shocking documentary debuted on HBO, Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God. The film documents the long, sordid history of the Catholic Church in not only failing to deal with the widespread problem of pedophile priests, but in the systematic cover-up of these horrific crimes.

Probably stepping out before he becomes a symbol of disgrace for the church.

Originally posted by wildtimes
it's just too bad that the committee can't consider His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the new Pope. Ah, what a refreshing change that would be!!

edit on 11-2-2013 by wildtimes because: (no reason given)

Like he would take the job!

That would be pretty interesting, though.

About time! he's caused enough damage, certainly hasn't left the world a better place since he first put the dress on...

Originally posted by retirednature
reply to post by maddy21

 

I wonder if it has anything to do with people talking about the Pope and covering up pedophilia for the church.

freakoutnation.com...

The Catholic Church Exposed in Film: Pedophile Priests

On February 5, a remarkable and shocking documentary debuted on HBO, Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God. The film documents the long, sordid history of the Catholic Church in not only failing to deal with the widespread problem of pedophile priests, but in the systematic cover-up of these horrific crimes.

Probably stepping out before he becomes a symbol of disgrace for the church.

Not specifically the pedophile nature of priestly purity. The Grand Lie having been told nurtured for 1600 years was exposed finally. How? all that it took was "I See You And I Admonish You". Who said it? The Creator, and believe me it is a merciless being (with a sense of humor always) It was All in the timing. Lets see if a Jesuit is Chosen as Pope, it is really a shame Malachi Martin is no longer among us living (probably have to bribed to take the job) he would be my choice.

Originally posted by maddy21

www.bbc.co.uk...

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month in an unexpected development, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85. He became Pope in 2005 following John Paul II's death. Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era, which has been marked by pontiffs dying while in office. Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is quoted as saying he is "greatly shaken by this unexpected news". The BBC's Alan Johnston in Rome says the news has come "out of the blue", and that there was no speculation whatsoever about the move in recent days. A Vatican spokesman, Father Federico Lombardi, said that even the Pope's closest aides did not know what he was planning to do and were left "incredulous". At 78, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest new popes in history when elected. He took the helm as one of the fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades - the scandal of child sex abuse by priests - was breaking. The Vatican says it expects the period between the Pope's resignation and the election of his successor to be as brief as possible, but there has been no confirmation on when cardinals will meet to choose a new pontiff. In a statement, the pontiff said: "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. "I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. "However, 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 steer the boat of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me. "For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is." A German government spokesman said he was "moved and touched" by the surprise resignation of the German-born pontiff. "The German government has the highest respect for the Holy Father, for what he has done, for his contributions over the course of his life to the Catholic Church. "He has left a very personal signature as a thinker at the head of the Church, and also as a shepherd."

Isn't he the last pope according to some Bible versions....

God I hope so ! The Bible should be retired along with the Pope.
Insanity is defined, doing the same thing over and over with hopes of a different outcome.
Man has abused religion so long and given God a bad reputation.
Some bible versions,LOL There should be one or none! All due respects.