Pope To Resign
From the Associated Press:
Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he would resign Feb. 28, the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March.
The 85-year-old pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals Monday morning.
"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," he told the cardinals. "I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiriual nature, must be carried out not only by 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 govern the bark of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary — strengths which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately the ministry entrusted to me."
The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Great Western Schism among competing papal claimants.
And that Pope didn't have one of my favorite Twitter feeds.
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Aug '11
Re: Pope To Resign
Though I am not Catholic, I admire Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II. I think the current pope worked hard for the last one while he became infirm and barely lucid, so has been responsibe in the highest offices for a long time, and has helped make the Catholic Church vibrant.
Pope Benedict is known for being a moderniser, and I think he shows modern thinking in his decision to resign. In this day and age of shredding leaders through tweets, or even paragraphs taken out of context, he is wise to leave his office for a younger, quicker soul. Issues such as gay marriage, pedophilia in the church and women to be ordained to the priesthood are hard issues that hardball types will crucify an aging pontiff over. He is right to leave the stage if he can't deal with this crazy world of constant communication and counter-communication.
Jul '12
Re: Pope To Resign
Two names to watch:
1) Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C.
2) Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah of Ghana
Aug '12
Re: Pope To Resign
At Mass this morning, our celebrant read the news from his iPad. One of those events - at least for me - that I'll always remember where and when I got the news. When Cardinal Ratzinger spoke at John Paul's funeral in that gentle tenor voice, I realized what a job had been done by the press on Ratzinger/"Rottweiler," and I grew to love him, for his quiet, stubborn courage and especially for his wonderfully clear and wise writing. Catholics had a dream teacher as Pope for eight years. We were very blessed. And I am gobsmacked by the news.
Nov '11
Re: Pope To Resign
Does this mean he's now ex-Benedict?
Re: Pope To Resign
I wrote up a bit about the early media failures in covering this story over at GetReligion. Some are just appalling.
Feb '11
Re: Pope To Resign
Mollie Hemingway, Ed.: From the Associated Press:
It's bigger than that, no? The last papal resignation was political, but how long ago was the last resignation for reasons of "health and strength?"
Jan '11
Re: Pope To Resign
Since I'm certain to be one of the finalists, I'm sure you'll all want to contribute to the "Support KC Fund;" details soon to follow.
And remember, no donation is too small.
Jul '12
Re: Pope To Resign
http://www.businessinsider.com/who-will-replace-pope-benedict-2013-2
Good read on some of the candidates.
Dec '10
Re: Pope To Resign
I'm in shock. And terribly worried. Pope Benedict XVI was the man for the times. He understood the mortal threat of moral relativism to individuals and society. Will "we" find someone as conscious of the challenges to the faith, and to the world at large?
My feelings are not in sync with Catholic teaching, btw. We believe the pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, but under the influence of the Holy Spirit (thus, the infallibility on faith and morals). I should be trusting, but I'm admitting to a moment of doubt and fear here.
Dec '10
Re: Pope To Resign
Light on the hollandaise sauce.
Jun '11
Re: Pope To Resign
Talk about speaking truth to power . . .
[Quoting 14th century Byzantine emperor Manuel II Palaeologus in his Regensburg Lecture in 2006]:
Jun '11
Re: Pope To Resign
Piers Morgan: "As a Catholic, I’m not buying this. Popes don’t just quit because they’re tired."
Solidifying his hold on the top spot of media blithering idiots.
May '10
Re: Pope To Resign
What a surprise!
He is a wonderful man and a wonderful bishop of Rome. I followed his writings when he was known as Cardinal Ratzinger, and greatly admired his balancing of ancient wisdom and modern dilemmas. When he believes a philosophy is errant, he not only explains why it is errant but also tries to explain why such a philosophy might arise. He has devoted his life to the pursuit of truth during a time when subjectivism permeates everything.
I was fortunate enough to stand on the steps of St Patrick's cathedral in New York with the Legionaries of Christ when Pope Benedict celebrated Mass there. It's remarkable how quiet and tender his voice is after so many years of liberal reporters referring to him as the Vatican attack dog. A very humble and gentle man.
What a change his retirement is from the visible suffering of his predecessor. I trust that he has made the right decision.
So, let the tribulations begin!
Dec '12
Re: Pope To Resign
My wife and I just named our first born son after him (Benedict Joseph) less than two weeks ago. We were floored....
Jun '10
Re: Pope To Resign
He is a wise, compelling man.
His pre-papal condemnation of moral relativism is inspiring: “We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one's own ego and desires.”
God bless him.
Edited on February 11, 2013 at 3:48pmMar '11
Re: Pope To Resign
I am not Catholic but to me this is huge news, one of the most important historical events in the last few years. It is more historically significant than presidential elections. Trust me 300 years from now more people worldwide will know he resigned as pope than who was elected in the 2012 U.S. presidential election.
Now that is not to say actual influence and long term impact, I am just saying when we and out children are all dead what people will remember as historically significant events.
Edited on February 11, 2013 at 3:51pmJun '10
Re: Pope To Resign
One of the things that has most surprised me lately is the impact of the last two popes on the non-Catholic world. I mourned Pope John Paul II and have come to respect Pope Benedict. I salute him for being able to lay down the reins of power. Very few men (or women) are able to do so.
My biggest question is one of timing—in the middle of Lent?
Aug '11
Re: Pope To Resign
Spoiler Alert: Andrew Sullivan will be elected the next pope.
May '10
Re: Pope To Resign
I so loved JP II that, even though I was thrilled when Ratzinger was chosen, it still took me a while to get used to him as Pope. Now I love him truly and feel terribly shocked and sad.
I admire the decision, though.
May '10
Re: Pope To Resign
Has Soledad O'Brien tweeted her disappointment about the lack of female and GLBT candidates to replace him?
Addendum: Delingpole! Your time has arrived!
Edited on February 11, 2013 at 4:01pm