Pope Benedict Is Stepping Down

I guess he can't do all things through Christ who strengthens him.

 

I wish him the best for his health and hope that the next pope will be more progressive and open-minded (gays, women rights, fighting child abuse, contraception, etc.).

 

first Pope to resign in 600 years. Have to think they're looking at Latin America for his replacement, I feel like it's their time

 

Francis Arinze.

 

Hopefully he will finally have the free time to **** in the woods.

 

Is it part of trying to deal with the abuse thing systematically? I can see why they'd need a new sherif in town for that.

By the way, does anyone know: as a retired pope, does he go back to being called Ratzinger (sp)?

He was never exactly my favorite. Seemed way too conservative for this era, kind of like somebody who might try to excommunicate the Jesuit order, etc.

 

I never noticed .

Serious question: How do you think does he compare to the average top-level Muslim religious leader, in terms of being "conservative"? And have you ever asked yourself which one gets your blood to boil more, and why?

The reason I am asking is because I just saw a video of a high-level leftist German female politician high-fiving an envoy of the government of Iran at a conference who is personally responsible for hundreds of murders. That same leftist politician has a decidedly anti-Catholic church stance. It's something that's difficult to understand for me.

 

This. As a Catholic I was never too fond of his selection, but thought the reason for it was that it would be impossible for anyone to follow John Paul II. I saw him more as a transition figure. The Church is so incredibly slow to change but I hope they take a look at these issues. Shoot even allowing women to be priests or priests to marry would be a step in the right direction.

 

He did finally get the church to make a truce with the Lutheran's. That was waaayy overdue.

 

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

 

I guess Darth Vader made his power play

 

And things are about to get very interesting.

 

He was the Vatican's go to man on child abuse prior to ascension. Can't say I'm too sad for a criminal stepping down. Hopefully they appoint someone with the balls to go after pedophilia in the priesthood.

 

agree, and furthermore, i suspect there may be more to his resignation than just health issues.

 

In fairness, they both get my blood boiling (and should for others as well).

 

Wonder if this had anything to do with the lawsuit filed against the Vatican.

 

Obama is going to nominate a black pope.