It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Pope Benedict's decision to live in the Vatican after he resigns will provide him with security and privacy. It will also offer legal protection from any attempt to prosecute him in connection with sexual abuse cases around the world, Church sources and legal experts say.
"His continued presence in the Vatican is necessary, otherwise he might be defenseless. He wouldn't have his immunity, his prerogatives, his security, if he is anywhere else," said one Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"It is absolutely necessary" that he stays in the Vatican, said the source, adding that Benedict should have a "dignified existence" in his remaining years.
Originally posted by CodeRed3D
.......... There are some serious factors leading up to a potential landslide that will cause an upset in the Christian community.........."
You mean the CATHOLIC community I think.
In the last week, [color=gold] The Pope App is the most-downloaded news app for iPhone in the U.S., Canada, Spain, Venezuela, Peru, Poland, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, and Pope Francis’ home country of Argentina.
It is the second most downloaded news app in France and Germany and the third most downloaded in Germany. The app also ranks in the top ten in eight other countries, the Pontifical Council for Social Communications said March 23.
Pope app tops iTunes store (catholic news agency)
Originally posted by charles1952
It's a very old saying, "Where Peter is, there is the Church." Might the Church's money and buildings be taken away? Might some of the less devoted members leave? Both are possible. But even if it loses 90% of it's membership it would still be the fourth largest religion in the world. (Assuming that 90% goes to "no religion.")
I'm not worried about the future of the Church. I am worried about the future of souls.
By the way, how come there is so much press about the Church, and not, say, Episcopalians or Methodists? I wonder if even the media are subconsciously paying homage as they pay attention.
re·li·gion
noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
Originally posted by CodeRed3D
The speedy loss of assets will leave the Vatican exposed to the endless line of court cases that are currently in the queue. Indeed, this will happen so fast that the Vatican will eventually be forced to liquidate its land assets and relocate out of Italy.
source
In 1909, while granting an audience, pope Pius X leaned back and closed his eyes. Suddenly he "awoke" and cried out: "What I see is terrifying. Will it be myself? Will it be my successor? What is certain is that the pope will quit Rome, and in leaving the Vatican, he will have to walk over the dead bodies of his priests."