Pope Benedict in shock resignation

[IrishGuy]

Pope Benedict XVI is to resign at the end of this month after nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church, saying he is too old to continue at the age of 85.

The unexpected development - the first papal resignation in nearly 600 years - surprised governments, Vatican-watchers and even his closest aides.

The Vatican says it expects a new Pope to be elected before Easter.

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

[Jason P]

A very rare event.

First pontiff to do so in 600 years.

[IrishGuy]

Yeah, I thought it was basically a job for life.

For a slightly less serious take on the story http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/celebrity/pope-headhunted-by-satan-2013021159277

[JimmyV]

Very strange indeed. Makes me want to rewatch Eurotrip.

[know1]

So they're convening the next conclave in March?

The Catholic church comes off as quite creepy to me. Too much ritual, symbolism, and tradition and not enough practical application of God's word.

[dignin]

Good riddance. Maybe this will make room for a more progressive Pope, although I will not hold my breath.

[pandora]

Good timing for change

[Jason P]

Maybe they can do a little research and make sure the new guy was never in cahoots with the Nazis.

[youngster]

Is it possible to have a pope that is under the age of 70?

[mickeyrat]

I know he is up in years , but to come on the heels of a second u.s. diocese cardinal to face and be convicted of criminal charges and given his former post related to such matters, his resignation coming at this time seems suspect to me.

[eeriepadave]

your new pope

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnUaUXZrYb0

[81]

hopefully the next one shuts this cess pool down.

[brianlux]

If anyone, regardless of position or stature, desires to retire before they die and is capable doing so I say go for it and good for you!

[gimmesometruth27]

the real crime in all of this is that this pope will become a piece of trivial information on a game show such as...

contestent: "i'll take vatican history for $500, Alex"

trebek: "this pontiff was the first one to retire since the 1400s."

contestent: "who was benedict the 7th?"

he will be remembered for this retirement instead of what he really did, cover up for hundreds of pedophile priests.

[Jeanwah]

How interesting that lightning struck the Vatican today, Too. Click on the link, a photo of it was caught.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news ... pe-1704295