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BBC: Pope Benedict XVI in shock resignation
Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.
The unexpected development - the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years - surprised governments, Vatican-watchers and even his closest aides.
The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope in 2005 after John Paul II's death.
BBC: Pope Benedict XVI in shock resignation
Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.
The unexpected development - the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years - surprised governments, Vatican-watchers and even his closest aides.
The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope in 2005 after John Paul II's death.
With the Fall of Rome, now is the time for a new saviour for a new age.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX0PD8PmvXs]The Fall of Rome: Our saviour Condoleezza Rice vs. The Pope - YouTube[/ame]
I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised that this pope is stepping down. He was the wrong man for the job, and now, he admits that he is no longer up to it. That is almost unprecedented. The conservatives in the church have been in charge for way too long. Maybe there is a chance that a liberal will be elected. i doubt it, but anything is possible. Most likely, another Italian will be the next pope. I have finally come to understand that, in spite of appearances, church dogma trumps the pope....which explains why it reamins hundreds of years behind the rest of the world.
I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised that this pope is stepping down. He was the wrong man for the job, and now, he admits that he is no longer up to it. That is almost unprecedented. The conservatives in the church have been in charge for way too long. Maybe there is a chance that a liberal will be elected. i doubt it, but anything is possible. Most likely, another Italian will be the next pope. I have finally come to understand that, in spite of appearances, church dogma trumps the pope....which explains why it reamins hundreds of years behind the rest of the world.
Which also explains why the Church does not seek your counsel when seeking popes or making decisions.
"no offense"
I don't understand why they elect the ones that are so advanced in age like they do...I mean, come on, with old age comes certain health issues and ailments.
Towards the end of John Paul II life, I swear he was doped up on all sorts of meds. My heart went out to that poor man every time I saw him in his final few years.
IMO he was the kindest and most gentle hearted soul that ever lived...may he RIP.
As far as Pope Benedict XVI goes, I am glad he's stepping down...I have a feeling he knows he's doing the right thing due to seeing what his predecessor had endured...who knows what those who are corrupt in the Church may subject him too if he were to have stayed Pope.
With the Fall of Rome, now is the time for a new saviour for a new age.
I don't understand why they elect the ones that are so advanced in age like they do...I mean, come on, with old age comes certain health issues and ailments.
Towards the end of John Paul II life, I swear he was doped up on all sorts of meds. My heart went out to that poor man every time I saw him in his final few years.
IMO he was the kindest and most gentle hearted soul that ever lived...may he RIP.
Imperial Rome, of which the Vatican is the last vestige.The "Fall of Rome"?
Imperial Rome, of which the Vatican is the last vestige.The "Fall of Rome"?
Hate to break it to you, but Imperial Rome fell over 1500 years ago.
I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised that this pope is stepping down. He was the wrong man for the job, and now, he admits that he is no longer up to it. That is almost unprecedented. The conservatives in the church have been in charge for way too long. Maybe there is a chance that a liberal will be elected. i doubt it, but anything is possible. Most likely, another Italian will be the next pope. I have finally come to understand that, in spite of appearances, church dogma trumps the pope....which explains why it reamins hundreds of years behind the rest of the world.
Rumors abound that he was asked to step down because of some scandal waiting in the wings to break.
Not a clue if there's any truth to the rumor, of course.
