Pope to Resign

X2.  He was quite Ironman-Like.

The wolves will be out in full force.
I braced my young children this morning for the bigotry they will undoubtedly encounter.

John Paul II's papacy was about bringing forth the new evangelization called for in Vatican II.  Taking on without fear the atheist structure that was the Soviet Union was the first act.  He then took on the growing pagan beliefs around human sexuality as his second act. Finally, he gave a lesson in the meaning of the human person and the grace of redemptive suffering in his death and final act.

Benedict XVI's papacy I think will be seen as one that implemented the new evangelization within the structure and hierarchy of the Church herself.  The fifty year old battle over theological questions that center around the meaning of the human person particularly regarding sexuality are over and settled.  The questions around sacramental issues such as the meaning of marriage and whether anyone other than a man can be ordained are also over.

Benedict XVI was never going to be a pope that appealed to a world wide audience the way John Paul II did.  

 My guess is that the next pope will bring the the last two papacies together: the new evangelization coupled with a Church structure that supports that, and begin to cultivate it worldwide.

Here's a list of papabile, leading candidates to be the next pope.

I'd put my money on Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana.  Makes perfect sense. Of course, I don't know what the Holy Spirit has in mind, and that's who makes the final decision.

Quite a Monday to wake up to.

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Jeebs. One little trainer ride a la Downton Abbey and the Pope is fixin' to resign.

His age was an issue, not as in a problem but something much discussed when he was the oldest Pope elected in 300 years. 78 then ain't young and 86 now REALLY ain't young. He's been a very conservative leader and theologian and although as a Cardinal he oversaw the administration of sorry-can't-recall-the-name Congregation of the Faithful or something, which as I understand it is (among many other duties) responsible for dealing with allegations and cases of priestly abuse, I don't think that's what's at play.

Pope Benedict XVI is old. He acknowledged that when he was elected and statements made around that time (before and after) made it clear that he thought resignation was a real option, if not a significant possibility.

Edited to call His Holiness by one of his proper titles instead of "the guy." Although, to be fair, to very many people he is THE Guy.

Benedict XVI is a brilliant scholar and a writer who can unveil complex theological issues with crystalline clarity.

Whether you're Christian or not, if anyone is interested in deepening your understanding of the Christian faith, I recommend his 1968 book Introduction to Christianity.  In it, Josef Ratzinger goes through the Apostles Creed, a creed shared with Catholics by most Protestants.  The single best book I would recommend to anyone interested in the faith.

Could be. That would be great!
I think though that the next pope will be more a fan of fûbol than football.

Here's Cardinal Dolan's statement from this morning, that included:

Pope Benedict often cited the significance of eternal truths and he warned of a dictatorship of relativism. Some values, such as human life, stand out above all others, he taught again and again. It is a message for eternity...

He spoke for the world’s poor when he visited them and wrote of equality among nations in his peace messages and encyclicals. He pleaded for a more equitable share of world resources and for a respect for God’s creation in nature.

Those who met him, heard him speak and read his clear, profound writings found themselves moved and changed. In all he said and did he urged people everywhere to know and have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ...

Agree on Turkson.  The talk last time around focused heavily on a first "African Pope."

I remember last time there was a lot of discussion about the need for a "rebound pope" because whoever followed JP2 would have some really tough shoes to fill.  Ratzinger was the oldest candidate last time around and some say he was elected because the Cardinals knew he wouldn't serve for 30 years like his predecessor did.

Dolan is a great spokesman to the US, but the Catholic Church is way larger than just the US Catholic Church.  American Catholics need Dolan right now. 

But what do I know.  I'm just a departed Evangelical now... I'm praying for you guys though.

The table will be set for you if you decide to return. And if you do, bring your evangelical zeal.

Catching up on papal resignation history this morning.  

Of the first 33 popes, 27 of them were martyred for the faith.  Being elected bishop of Rome (the Pope) back then was pretty much a death sentence.

The first pope to resign was St. Pontian around 235AD. He was exiled to the salt mines in Sardinia, and apparently resigned so that the See of Peter would have someone who could carry out the duties and ministry.

The last pope was Gregory XII six hundred years ago. His resignation had to do with judgement about dealing with the Western Schism.  It raised a question: to whom does the pope resign?

The Pope is the vicar of Christ. To what earthly power can he resign?  The theory worked out with Gregory XII and that affects Benedict XVI is that he resigns to himself, as he holds the authority for accepting his own resignation.

I was thinking the same thing.

Rumor has it Tom Hanks found some sort of code revealing that...

That's what I thought too.  Walking away from power is not a natural thing for any human to do.

I am impressed.

I heard that he will go into a contemplative center for the rest of his life.  Silence and prayer.

Wow.

Actually, I heard it was Nicholas Cage who found a code in some type of scroll or something.

LOL, my DH and I were talking about this.  There will definitely be theories, especially since it's so close to Lent.

So.....maybe he just wants a fish sandwich?

I was thinking this same thing this morning, maybe somewhat selfishly. Cardinal Dolan would be a very engaging Pope, but he is also the figurehead of some very important battles currently underway in this country.