I was in England as an exchange student, on spring break with my parents, and we got to watch the whole thing with a British perspective and British footage, etc. It was fascinating.
I think I was at home. I remember watching the news coverage all day and I did cry a little. I was born and raised Catholic, and when John Paul II died I had an overwhelming urge to attend church that Sunday.
I was shopping for flowers at home depot, being catholic who held a deep love and respect for JPII, my dh and I were praying vigilantly for him during that time. I took a break to run to the store and dh texted me that he had passed.
I'm guessing I was eyeball deep in finals for undergrad. I had an intense major so nothing would have really registered until the end of May.
I was in Rome in November and explored the necropolis where all the Popes are buried. John Paul II is up in the main part of the basilica but most of the others are below. I was raised Catholic but am not religious at all now, but hearing mass in St. Peters is a pretty amazing place to be.
National news just said he'll probably spend his retirement in a home full of retired nuns.
I don't even know what to make of that.
That's some retirement plan there...
I am sorry but yes, it made me laugh. I'm sure there are good reasons for it, there will be people to help take care of him as he needs it but just seems funny.
It will certainly be interesting to see the person/personality elected to replace him because it does seriously impact so much of the world.
And may God hold all of you in the palm of his hand during this challenging time.
Post by fussbucket on Feb 11, 2013 18:50:15 GMT -5
I for one find the news shocking especially given how steeped Benedict seemed to be in Church tradition and theology. I mean, IANAC but I don't understand how it is even possible, theologically speaking, to resign as Pope. You might as well ask God for a divorce.
I for one find the news shocking especially given how steeped Benedict seemed to be in Church tradition and theology. I mean, IANAC but I don't understand how it is even possible, theologically speaking, to resign as Pope. You might as well ask God for a divorce.
I did not look at it this way. I guess I was thinking that if he felt too weak for the job due to whatever, it is a good thing for Catholicism if he chooses to resign. There are just so many issues that need a strong voice.
You know, just like divorce. If your marriage is harming your children, you call it a day.
I think he is protecting his church and his people and giving them the greatest gift. To know he isn't up to it, he is taking care of what he loves the most. I'm sure this was with much thought and prayer and that he truly believes it is what God wants or at least that God agrees with him on this decision. I really believe he is doing this out of the greatest love.
You know, just like divorce. If your marriage is harming your children, you call it a day.
Well I guess I chose that analogy because Catholics don't believe in divorce, this particular pope being quite far from any exception on that front.
I am not saying he was wrong to resign on a personal or even institutional level. I'm saying I don't get it from a purely theological standpoint. Just my understanding of the job description.
You know, just like divorce. If your marriage is harming your children, you call it a day.
Well I guess I chose that analogy because Catholics don't believe in divorce, this particular pope being quite far from any exception on that front.
I am not saying he was wrong to resign on a personal or even institutional level. I'm saying I don't get it from a purely theological standpoint. Just my understanding of the job description.
I got that. I hadn't considered that perspective, so I was giving you the little perspective I did have.
Do you think there could be more to his resignation than health issues? Are people politicking behind the scenes? The Catholic Church has suffered large losses in the congregation since he has been pope, hasn't it?
Post by fussbucket on Feb 11, 2013 19:34:43 GMT -5
That was my first thought when I heard the news, muddled. I think back in the day they just used to off the guy. Not a good approach in the 21st century Information Age though.
Post by fussbucket on Feb 11, 2013 22:03:08 GMT -5
In my mind the best thing that could possibly come from this is signaling to Antonin Scalia that it's perfectly OK to resign from a post you've been appointed to for life. He's a pretty devout Catholic, after all.