Bye,Bye Benedict

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   LauraD093posted 11 years ago

   Pope Benedict steps down becoming Pope Emeritus at 2pm EST.This action has set many Catholics aback and is something not seen in centuries.I think it shows a sense of responsibility to the office not seen usually in the Papacy for him to take this action and admit he can no longer serve effectively. Regardless of your personal feelings toward the Catholic Church do you agree?

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   budmcbrideposted 11 years ago

   Not only does it represent a sense of responsibility it also demonstrates a notion of himself.  Additionally, it demonstrates a knowledge that the Papacy is about the church and not the person

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   Annette Hendleyposted 11 years ago

   I think the Catholic church is a very traditional church structure so people get upset when things suddenly change, but it is ultimately about what is best for the church and if he believes he can't serve the church that effectively any more than it is the best decision for him and the church. He is after all still  only human.

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   Zelkiiroposted 11 years ago

   And good riddance. He wasn't even a fraction of the man John Paul II was.

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   cuttlerposted 11 years ago

   IN my opinion, this is what the world needs today. Leaders who are willing to step down from their posts unselfishly and without coercion. Leaders the world over normally get drowned with power and hold on tho their posts through tooth and nail. But this here is a show of humility and respect of office. All the best to Pope Benedict and may the Vatican elect a leader worthy enough to fill the void.

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      LisaMarie724posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree cuttler.  It's not often seen that someone in power puts the peoples best interests over their own.

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         cuttlerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Very true

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   Amadaunposted 11 years ago

   I doubt the poor man was up to the challenge of thousands upon thousands of screaming teenagers at World Youth Day this year, either.  I know very few people my age who would be up to that challenge, let alone an 85 year old!

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   LauraD093posted 11 years ago

   I want to thank everyone for their comments.
   Zelkiro I agree that Benedict wasn't a Pope "for the people" like John Paul II.
   Cuttler/Lisa-it was the right thing to do and not a Benedict-fan I'm glad someone else is stepping in-although like congress it appears that they still haven't set the accual conclave the "whiile smoke" won't be in the air for awhile.
   Annette-traditional + 10 which is why I have lapsed although old habits die and I have been watching the coverage.My first 14 years of life I was active through my family's participation. I refused to be "confirmed" to a church without more active participation for women (at that time women couldn't even be Eucharistic-ministers because the church deemed us unclean due to our menses- (we weren't allowed to handle the host.) I stuffed envelopes Mon-Fri for N.O.W. then found myself sitting in a pew on Sunday. It became too weird even for me.
   budmcbride-Well...the reasoning was he could no longer serve "the people" but you may have a point. 
   Amadaun-how right you are lol. I find it odd that those 85+ can't vote the new pope in (only give opinions) but a Pope is expected to provide leadership if he reaches 85+ ? I'm 47 years old and couldn't have handled it either lol.

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