Pope stepping down

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

The Wife just came in to tell me, I guess this hasn't happened for 600 years ???? That a Pope steps down :shrug:

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The last time it happened was under very different circumstances as well, making this decision even more unique. The last time was Gregory XII who resigned in 1415. However that was done in an attempt to bring an end to the great schism which saw two (and eventually three) popes busily excommunicating each other. Not one of Roman Catholicism's shining moments.

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Probably a good thing to remember. I know, it's hard to do.

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Originally Posted by BobH

You misunderstood me. I meant your explanation of the reasons for Papal abdication sounds too altruistic and could easily used as a PR release by the Vatican. I've lived too long to believe in that sort of thing especially from a politician or religious representative. It is hardly ever that straight forward and simple.

Bob

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In that case, altruistic is not the word you should have used :)
It indicates selflessness, and the pope stepping down cannot really be described as selfless.
But I get what you are trying to say.

Bruno

It could be construed as selflessness to supposedly recognize that you no longer have the physical and mental strength to fully carry out properly the duties of that lofty and powerful position. Abdication for the greater good of the RC Church sort of thing. I won't belabour the point any more as you seem to get my drift anyway.

Bob

He couldn't really say that he "simply wants to spend more time with his family", could he :)

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Originally Posted by gugi

He couldn't really say that he "simply wants to spend more time with his family", could he :)

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Too true but I would have a hard time buying that too. :D

I just heard on the news that he's had a pacemaker for 10 years, and that last year he had surgery in secret to have the battery replaced. The surgery reportedly was the thing that made him question his ability to continue his work.

My 94 year old mother in law has had a pacemaker for over 25 years and has had it changed too. Still ticking strongly like a Timex and always up for a good argument. Having a pacemaker is no big deal from where I sit.

Bob

No contest on that alone, but her day is probably less taxing than his :)

I know several people who have one and as you say it is not that big a deal.
However, other deterioration problems have already set in, and the last surgery could have made him reconsider his fitness for the job.

This is a bit like royal succession. Right in the middle of challenges is not an ideal time to have the pope drop dead and organize a conclave.
The Dutch Queen recently announced that she would step down on a specified date and transfer the royal power to her son. Our monarch otoh seems hell bent on clinging to the throne tooth and nail, until the reaper grabs him by the ankles and forcibly drags him away. At that point, the political landscape will go apeshit again, trying to figure out everything that needs to be done.

Yea, much to be said for an orderly transfer of power. OTH I don't think you will see much change in the RC church as there are more members in South America, Asia and Africa than in North America and Europe. The RC community outside of Europe and North America is growing not shrinking and conservative in nature. I think they will see to it that reforms, if any, will be modest in nature.

Bob