Pope Benedict XVI Resigns.

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

bless

thankyou

planet life is still waitin fa 1st world ------- -------- resgin too

happy porn day

[MTLDude]

Ben sixteen resigns? A decision full of wisdom, that he should have taken decades ago...

[Benvolio]

It's more cultural than catholic doctrine.

Western cultures tend to pray directly to god while South American and East Asian tend to pray to god's so-called secretaries, like Mary and Saint Peter. The reason, as I've been taught (grew up catholic in East Asia) is that god as portrayed in the bible is a benevelent being who killed entire civilizations of people. Praying directly to him you might say something wrong and incure his wrath. Therefore, it's a better idea to pray to his secretaries like Mary and Saint Peter so that they could better word your prayers and present them to god for you. It's sort of like having a lawyer to represent you in court rather than you speaking directly to the judge and jury.

I don't think any Catholic would agree with that. They do pray directly to God, more than Saints. They might agree with the Lawyer analogy.

[animalius]

I don't think any Catholic would agree with that. They do pray directly to God, more than Saints. They might agree with the Lawyer analogy.

Catholics from which culture? Didn't I say I didn't expect you westerners to understand?

Take, or example, the following image. Do you think many catholics would agree that this is an accurate representation of the virgin mary?



People from different cultures have their own interpretations of the doctrine. Get use to it.

Added by edit.

Try to think of it this way. I don't know any of my uncle's and aunts' names. It's forbidden for the younger generations to say the names of our elders.

Over here, you guys would say "aunt Tammy" or "uncle Rick". For us, we would say "aunt number 3" and "uncle number 2". My nephews and nieces know me as uncle number 6. So, to people from my culture, praying directly to god all the time is the same thing as taking god's name in vain (one of the 10 commandments).

If you were to visit a religious asian catholic family, chances are you will only find statues of the virgin mary and not a single statue or picture of jesus. Same mentality.

[Ben1]

I am not a catholic or a friend of the Pope. But I look at him differentiated. Without mockery (ugly old man) or lies (he was a Nazi). If you take the time to read his books or texts, you knew better. This man is a philosopher, he is not loud, but thoughtfully and intellectually. Its hard for us gays that this man is not the devil. It would be easier.
I respect his resignation. Most powerful people can not give up power. I like his self-assessment. He doesn´t want to be a burden for this church. He sets an example for next popes.

To your comments I complete other statements:

"Michelle and I warmly remember our meeting with the Holy Father in 2009, and I have appreciated our work together over these last four years. The church plays a critical role in the United States and the world, and I wish the best to those who will soon gather to choose His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI's successor." President Obama

"I will treasure the touching memory of the personal and close dialogue with which the Holy Father has consented to accompany my commitment with the government. Today, I am close to him, and I humbly trust that this relationship, which has enriched me on an intellectual and moral level, will continue hereafter." Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Monti

"People of all nations have been blessed by the sacrifices he has made to sow the seeds of hope, justice and compassion throughout the world in the name of Our Lord and Savior." House Speaker Boehner

“He will be missed as a spiritual leader to millions.” Prime Minister David Cameron

“If the Pope himself, after thorough reflection, has come to the conclusion that he does not have the strength anymore to carry out his duties, then this has my utmost respect,” Merkel said. “He is and remains one of the most significant religious thinkers of our time.”
Chancellor Angela Merkel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the Pope's "courage", while Rabbi Yona Metzger, the country's Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi, said he had helped to reduce anti-Semitism around the world.

and so on...

only for the history books ;-)

[animalius]

I am not a catholic or a friend of the Pope. But I look at him differentiated. Without mockery (ugly old man) or lies (he was a Nazi). If you take the time to read his books or texts, you knew better. This man is a philosopher, he is not loud, but thoughtfully and intellectually. Its hard for us gays that this man is not the devil. It would be easier.
I respect his resignation. Most powerful people can not give up power. I like his self-assessment. He doesn´t want to be a burden for this church. He sets an example for next popes.

Nobody is saying this man is the devil. But many of us are saying this man's sense of right and wrong is not compatible with ours. You should google about the letter he sent out to the local church officials ordering them to keep the sex abuse cases under wraps. This is not a deed of a moral leader, at least not in my books.

[RaKroma]

I don't understand why this is creating so much international attention as if people really care or affected? They should move the Catholic Church to Latin America and elect Padres because that is the only part of the planet where the church still has relevancy.

[loki81]

I don't understand why this is creating so much international attention as if people really care or affected? They should move the Catholic Church to Latin America and elect Padres because that is the only part of the planet where the church still has relevancy.

1) Catholicism is the largest denomination amongst the largest religion in the world and it's a pretty big deal for the Church
2) it's a pretty slow news day

[Kahaih]

^3) JUBbers love to talk about/celebrate old trolls – especially when they’re done

[RaKroma]

1) Catholicism is the largest denomination amongst the largest religion in the world and it's a pretty big deal for the Church
2) it's a pretty slow news day

1 billion Catholics by name not by practice. Snooki and the other fine saints from Jersey Shore are "Catholics" too.

[youfiad]

Hey, he might get something done now!

[bobobo]

Not original with me....But let's hope the next guy brings the church into the 20th century.

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

into 20th century is a funny

ha

good a 1

is 2 haha

[LeicsDom]

I smell a Rat(zinger). These guys hang on to the pointy hat even when they're drooling on their robes and pooping themselves. He's either bailing out before another major scandal like "Molestgate" pops up, or the Cardinals got tired of the him making Catholics look bad and dug up enough dirt on him to scare him into "retiring".

How much worse than his Nazi past can they find?

- - - Updated - - -

Not original with me....But let's hope the next guy brings the church into the 20th century.

Even that would still be 100 years behind they rest of the western world!

[yourson]

Sad to see him go! But i know it's best for the Church. I pray tht the Holy Spirit guides the cardinals in electing a Pope that will serve the needs of the Church.

[loki81]

How much worse than his Nazi past can they find?

he was 13 and forced to join the Hitler youth... I doubt you'll find many 13 year-olds willing to die instead of doing what their parents, friends, teachers, and government all tell them they have to.

there's a lot to criticize Ratzinger over, but I don't think getting conscripted as a German during WW2 is one of them.

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

How much worse than his Nazi past can they find?

- - - Updated - - -



Even that would still be 100 years behind they rest of the western world!

ha dat a funny too

so funny

3 ha ha ha
if add west east south
do a foursums

anyway

supa

[seven2go]

what?

a lifetime of Catholic schools and religious classes and I can safely say that I was never, ever, ever taught that.

the only thing I can think of is the "Hail Mary" prayer, which is one of many (and is a prayer also used by the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran denominations)

There is not a single Lutheran denomination that prays anything even CLOSE to a Hail Mary.

Anyway........one can only hope someone can undo what this pope has done to set back the church 600 years.

[loki81]

There is not a single Lutheran denomination that prays anything even CLOSE to a Hail Mary.

I'm not a Lutheran, I was just going by wikipedia -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail_Mary#Lutheran_use

[star-warrior]

He's more a theologian rather than an administrator.

[eastofeden]

he was 13 and forced to join the Hitler youth... I doubt you'll find many 13 year-olds willing to die instead of doing what their parents, friends, teachers, and government all tell them they have to.

there's a lot to criticize Ratzinger over, but I don't think getting conscripted as a German during WW2 is one of them.

I think it had an effect on him as so many of our upbringings did. Didn't he call gays a "threat to humanity?" Pink traingles anyone? Apparently he didnt' stray for from his upbrining if he is making statements like that.

[loki81]

I think it had an effect on him as so many of our upbringings did. Didn't he call gays a "threat to humanity?" Pink traingles anyone? Apparently he didnt' stray for from his upbrining if he is making statements like that.

John Paul II fought the Nazis in Poland and, as far as I know, held the same anti-gay viewpoints.

I'd say it's more of a generational thing and the Church just being anti-gay in general, not a reflection of the time he was forced to spend drafted into the Germany military.

[Negasta]

It's a pity there isn't a hell for this disgusting old prick to go too, because there is no prison bad enough on earth to make him properly pay for his repulsive crimes. I wonder how many Catholics have left the Church in disgust at his policies?

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

not olympics celebrate disgust? but a 1 example of a awsums a 1st worldys dooins up ta sec

sure lot a folk resgin world ova plenty disgust keep rubbal plants happy


thankyou

[ronboy]

I was not a big Benedict fan...

I think he drove more faithful away from the church with his changes in the Mass.

And, regardless of his past, he was the leader of Mother Church.

He was more about show, with his designer robes and Prada styles.

And he was definitely not John Paul II. (John Paul was a hardliner when it came to doctrine, but he preached a ministry of love for all people.)

I wish the Holy Father peace and contentment as he lives out his remaining days.....

[doctorsun]

So long, Benny.

I thought the only way we'd ever get rid of him was if we threw him down a shaft into the Death Star's main reactor.

[gsdx]

I thought the only way we'd ever get rid of him was if we threw him down a shaft into the Death Star's main reactor.

THAT'S where I saw him before!!!

[johaninsc]

I was not a big Benedict fan...

I think he drove more faithful away from the church with his changes in the Mass.

And, regardless of his past, he was the leader of Mother Church.

He was more about show, with his designer robes and Prada styles.

And he was definitely not John Paul II. (John Paul was a hardliner when it came to doctrine, but he preached a ministry of love for all people.)

I wish the Holy Father peace and contentment as he lives out his remaining days.....

something I was curious about. when he resigns, will he still retain the title of Holy Father...similar to the way former presidents are still called "Mr. President"?

would he be considered a "retired" pope?

will the make him a Cardinal or something?...it would be interesting to see how all of that is handled

I wonder if he'll have any more duties in the Church

[borg69unimatrix]

So long, Benny.

I thought the only way we'd ever get rid of him was if we threw him down a shaft into the Death Star's main reactor.

THAT'S where I saw him before!!!

You guys aren't the only ones who thought so. I was curious, and found THIS on the internet someone else made up.

[Benvolio]

He can choose his own title before he retires, but there is probably no precedent. He will, in any event, continue to be a consecrated bishop. I believe Cardinals continue to be such after retirement, but without voting rights. My guess is that he will revert to being a retired Cardinal. Being a retired Pope, with that title, would lead to confusion.

[PreTTy PeTe]

[PreTTy PeTe]

[loki81]

er... just for the sake of accuracy, the Pope is not chosen by God and does not claim to be.

[Hard-up1]

He won't actively be a cardinal, so former won't be anything but an honorific.

As for the Holy Father title, no. Like the immortals, there can only be one. When he vacates the papal throne at the end of February, there will be no Holy Father until another is elected. It is not a portable title.

I've never had Catholic leanings, but have no problem respecting my neighbors, 1.2 billion of them, to be exact.

The dismissal of the stats as nominal is comical, as "in practice" isn't any prerequisite to being a Catholic. If those words meant anything, a lot of gays wouldn't be too gay if force to practice it to be counted one. For that matter, children and youth wouldn't be gay until having sex. Silly that.

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

so all world cream cheese confessions back?

* ya alls got confess again cause last one no count cause *
_Aww wot?_

titturs

[BENDERBOY]

[Benvolio]

As retired Cardinal he would wear the red beenie most of the time, robes part of the time. He would be entitled to be addressed as, your eminence. Probably will be titular bishop of some obscure place.

[Hard-up1]

As retired Cardinal he would wear the red beanie

A zuchetto

[seven2go]

I was not a big Benedict fan...

I think he drove more faithful away from the church with his changes in the Mass.

And, regardless of his past, he was the leader of Mother Church.

He was more about show, with his designer robes and Prada styles.

And he was definitely not John Paul II. (John Paul was a hardliner when it came to doctrine, but he preached a ministry of love for all people.)

John Paul II was another one who didn't do the Church any favors.
Pope John XXIII (Vatican One) was the last pope who was actually good for the Catholic Church in my opinion.
He brought together ALL christian churches more than all the other popes combined.
I'm ALCA Lutheran FYI.......I nominate Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archdiocese of New York, for pope!

[Keeland]

I nominate me. I could use the money.

[BENDERBOY]

I nominate me. I could use the money.

I nominate Hard-up1, those long sermons, would be the end of the church.

Though he'd look spectacular in the clothes.

[Hard-up1]

Oh, you're too kind, Bendy, but I have to recuse.

Mary and I don't get along too well. Heck, I won't even eat a tortilla that has an even vaguely familiar looking scorch on it.

But you can send me any pics you, my most devoted votary, might be inclined to part with.

[bankside]

A zuchetto

Gesundheit.

[tigerfan482]

If the Pope is chosen by God, then shouldn't the position stay empty until God tells us who to put in there?

[BENDERBOY]

Oh, you're too kind, Bendy, but I have to recuse.

Mary and I don't get along too well. Heck, I won't even eat a tortilla that has an even vaguely familiar looking scorch on it.

But you can send me any pics you, my most devoted votary, might be inclined to part with.

Darn it. i was hoping to become your carmelengo, and sort you out on a regular basis.

[loki81]

If the Pope is chosen by God, then shouldn't the position stay empty until God tells us who to put in there?

the Pope is not chosen by God, and does not claim to be.

[Hard-up1]

Gesundheit.

You could at least say "bless you" considering the circumstances. "Health!" indeed.

If the Pope is chosen by God, then shouldn't the position stay empty until God tells us who to put in there?

No, he's not that directly involved in the day-to-day management of the the firm ever since he handed off the keys.

[PreTTy PeTe]

er... just for the sake of accuracy, the Pope is not chosen by God and does not claim to be.

Then God is fucking us over by giving us a leader of the faith who is chosen not by him but by the geriatric ward of the Vatican.

[Hard-up1]

Then God is fucking us over by giving us a leader of the faith who is chosen not by him but by the geriatric ward of the Vatican.

Tell it to God then, Pete, and stop ragging on Loki.

What's it to you to have to be an ass to him when he's only setting the record straight?

If you guys acting like kids smoking behind the gym would stop throwing out bogus statements, he wouldn't be having to post the truth about practice and dogma JUBBERS look just plain small when making up crap about presumed pedophilia and the like. No one is acting devotional or worshipful in the thread, so making up graffiti for the bathroom wall just comes off like a juvenile delinquent wannabe.

Disbelief is one thing. Criticizing the Church is a valid standpoint. Just being bitchy and hateful to Loki tells more about you than it does the Pope or his dominion.

[FuryOfFirestorm]

THAT'S where I saw him before!!!

Don't you see the resemblance?