Pope Benedict is retiring

[pomtzu]

Just saw this on the morning news. Quite a surprise!

[Kirsten]

Just saw this on the morning news. Quite a surprise!

Indeed! As far as I know, this hasn't happened too many times before. I thought they'd have to stay in that office until they die.
Then again, I can understand that decision if he feels his strength is dwindling so he can no longer do a good job.

However, looks like conspiracy theories are already blooming all over the net.

[pomtzu]

Indeed! As far as I know, this hasn't happened too many times before. I thought they'd have to stay in that office until they die.
Then again, I can understand that decision if he feels his strength is dwindling so he can no longer do a good job.

However, looks like conspiracy theories are already blooming all over the net.

I'm not Catholic, so not at all familiar with the laws of the Catholic Church, but I imagine retiring rather than dying in office, is much more desirable.

And conspiracy - oh I don't doubt that at all. I was absolutely sickened by the conspiracy theories and video about them, that surfaced after the Sandy Hook massacre when those 20 little school kids were needlessly murdered here in The States.

[ChrisH]

A pope can resign at any time.

The BBC's David Willey in Rome says the move has come as a shock - but adds that in theory there has never been anything stopping Pope Benedict or any of his predecessors from stepping aside.

Under the Catholic Church's governing code, Canon Law, the only conditions for the validity of such a resignation are that it be made freely and be properly published.

But resignation is extremely rare: the last Pope to step aside was Pope Gregory XII, who resigned in 1415 amid a schism within the Church.

[cassiesmom]

A pope can resign at any time.

I didn't know that. (I'm not Catholic) I wonder what he will do after he leaves the papacy. Maybe he will write or continue to be a theologian in some other way if his health allows.

[smokey the elder]

I think with people living a long time, a Papal resignation was inevitable. I just didn't expect to see it in this day and age. It's been almost 600 years since it happened last, so is indeed an unusual event. I heard it this morning; when I heard there was breaking news about the Pope I thought they were going to announce he died; he's quite old.

[Kirsten]

Well, I'm not Catholic either, so I was also surprised that popes can resign, if they wish. Learned something new today.

I didn't know that. (I'm not Catholic) I wonder what he will do after he leaves the papacy. Maybe he will write or continue to be a theologian in some other way if his health allows.

I think he will spend some quality time with his brother now; who is 89...

[Catty1]

Word is that a Canadian is a good bet for the position...

The Pill is a no-no eh?