Monday, and I Forgot the Open Thread, So Here
Sorry y’all. I have been a bit off kilter the past few days. There’s not just school commitments, but I was also ill, and having to deal with living like a pretzel undergoing therapy. Hopefully, that will be over soon.
Anyway, today comes word that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will be retiring at the end of February. This is almost unheard of, seeing as the last Pope to abdicate (that’s what a papal retirement is technically called) was Pope Gregory XII, who retired in order to prevent the Church from splitting. Hey, at least it wasn’t like Pope Clementine V. THAT was a bad retirement.
Full disclosure: I am Catholic. I am a fan of Benedict’s. However, open thread means open views, and I would like to take the opportunity to let y’all know nothing you can type here will offend me in any way. Y’all have every right to your opinions, just as I do. So, feel free to comment your thoughts and opinions on this rather amazing event.
That being said, I can not speak for ArmedGeek, no matter his religious affiliation (if he has one). If you offend him, you are on your own 
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Dave in Texas must have some mind reading abilitiy. His first paragraph was almost exactly my thoughts on reading about him resigning.
I doubt seriously that it is for selfish reasons. I mean, I don’t expect to see him surfing in Hawaii this summer. He should know whether he is able to fulfil his office as it should be, and he is honest enough to step down when he can no longer do so.
It’s a shame we don’t have a pResident who is as honest.
How can you tell he’s the Pope?
He’s got the biggest hat.
I respect his decision to become Pope at a later age and really respect his patience. With all the crap that’s been happening, if I was Pope, I’d be a pissed off Pope and there’d be a bunch of excommunicated assholes. I’d start with Nancy Pelosi.
I’m not Catholic, but I do have a measure of respect for him stepping down, recognizing his health and understanding that he may be unable to fulfill his responsibilities.
It occurs to me whomever serves next will be fortunate to have someone around a bit who can give him counsel from his experience.
Plus, those pointy hats are rad.
I was a catholic now atheist. And this hasn’t happened in 6 centuries! CENTURIES! I thought you died being to pope, no matter your health status.
Ever hear of St. Malachy’s “Prophecy of the Popes”? Peter Romanus is said to be the last Pope, expected after Benedict.
There is currently one Cardinal in the running for Pope with the name Peter. He is from Ghana but, did all of his seminary schooling in Rome. His Eminence, Peter Turkson.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Turkson
If and when Peter Romanus becomes pope, the Malachy Prophecy says that the Anti Christ is currently on earth and that Peter Romanus will see the destruction of Rome and Catholicism, the Anti Christ will rule and that whole Armageddon thing gets underway.
I sure hope that Gahna Cardinal Turkson isn’t elected Pope…
If he does, folks better get right with God.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_of_the_Popes
http://www.theworkofgod.org/Pope/saint_malachy_prophecies.htm
“…living like a pretzel”
Pretzels and beer…
http://hogsback.ca/our-beers/
You’re welcome.
I think he is a good man who was in an impossible situation. He followed a charismatic Pontiff who was loved by most everyone who doesn’t hate Christianity. I don’t consider it a knock on him to say he didn’t have the same flair as his predecessor, they are two different people. Add to that he came to power during a rough time for the church with all the abuse cases. He did all he could, and I think history will remember him well.
As a Christian who does not completely trust the Church of Rome, I’m a little worried about what comes next though. I hope the Cardinals choose the next Pope based on biblical teachings and not bow to secular pressure. The position wields great power, Christians, be they Catholic or not need him to be a man of G*D not a man looking for positive press.
Slightly relevant:
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2013/02/worcester-bishop-spencers-talk-about-extreme-militant-islamists-and-the-atrocities-that-they-have-pe.html
I just thought it was interesting that even the Pope needs to give two weeks’ notice.
Sentry; yeh, but normally one gives it to one’s BOSS.
Firing, on the other hand; two weeks at His option…
I respect anyone who retires when they realize that their “game” just isn’t good enough to get the job done anymore.
Check out Kayinsane (Kim W.). She went on television to spew that the free market is destroying the world. She manages to be far more understated than her demented blog, but the moonbattery still screams loud and clear.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid35031947001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAACC1lJjE~,eO0k1bjplev7hHfUUYFU18RDQIpJKzMJ&bctid=1194732824001