Pope Benedict XVI 'is to resign'

[xxMATTGxx]

The Pope is to resign at the end of this month in an entirely unexpected development, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 85-year-old became Pope Benedict XVI in April 2005 following the death of John Paul II.

The reasons behind the head of the Catholic Church's surprise resignation have yet to emerge.

Resignations from the papacy are not unknown, but this is the first in the modern era, which has been marked by pontiffs dying while in office.

At 78, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was one of the oldest new popes in history when elected.

He took the helm as one of the fiercest storms the Catholic Church has faced in decades - the scandal of child sex abuse by priests - was breaking.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21411304

[Inseriousity.]

Didn't expect that. He's been quite a controversial Pope hasn't he and I know, as a cardinal, he was instrumental in the demonization of liberation theology, which is a shame, I like that theology.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Didn't expect that. He's been quite a controversial Pope hasn't he and I know, as a cardinal, he was instrumental in the demonization of liberation theology, which is a shame, I like that theology.

I certainly don't, sounds very much to me like the opposite of what Christianity is about; self help, not marxism or big mother state.

As for the Pope standing down, I never understood why they picked somebody so old in the first place. To me it makes sense for the Head of State (Vatican City) and the head of the Roman Catholic Church to be someone who is going to be in the role for a very long time, otherwise they simply become a stewart rather than somebody who can bring about their own agenda and/or programme.

[Inseriousity.]

I would not say that Christianity is about self-help. Jesus' whole life tended to revolve around helping those less fortunate than himself.

[Grig]

I certainly don't, sounds very much to me like the opposite of what Christianity is about; self help, not marxism or big mother state.

This sums it up. I believe in a God, but I do not believe in the Church or State, which are often funded by governmental organizations and what-not. Also, why should a person of faith follow a man who is not extra-special or anything of the sorts. The Pope is elected by 100-odd committee of old men, so simply because were more devoted to their faith or went by it as a path in life should be this holly representative of God. It's all useless institutions. I shall believe in God, and yes, I do go to church once every 3/4 years or something, but I don't really believe in it all (the institutions). It's an element like the Russian Tsar used.

Also, this pope in no way was 'controversial', quite the opposite, he has very traditional views and beliefs.



Sums it up really.

[zombies]

didn't see this coming really

[Inseriousity.]

I meant controversial with wider society. i vaguely remember a news article about him comparing homosexuality and rainforests.

[-:Undertaker:-]

@Grig; - But then it's rather similar to Monarchs who claim to be chosen by God, they often abdicate as well. So it's nothing new really.

I would not say that Christianity is about self-help. Jesus' whole life tended to revolve around helping those less fortunate than himself.

Indeed, personal charity - not state 'charity' (marxism).