Ex-Benedict

[BuffettClone]

The Pope is going to resign due to health difficulties. I thought it was a position kept until he dies. I didn't know he could do that but I guess it last happened in 1415.

Just some surprising news this morning

[CycloneNorth]

It is surprising, but I remember when he was selected that part of the reasoning was he wouldn't last as long as John Paul II.

[CtownCyclone]

Talk about a shocker waking up. Guess he surprised everyone with the decision.

[1100011CS]

Illuminatti

[ISUCubswin]

Yup, it's ok to do in the Church. He may have done it so Catholics don't go "Popeless" when he dies.

[CtownCyclone]

Yup, it's ok to do in the Church. He may have done it so Catholics don't go "Popeless" when he dies.

I don't think you can have a conclave until the current pope is no longer pope...from what I'm reading, it sounds like he's done 2/28, they'll have a conclave after that, new pope by Easter.

[ISUCubswin]

I don't think you can have a conclave until the current pope is no longer pope...from what I'm reading, it sounds like he's done 2/28, they'll have a conclave after that, new pope by Easter.

Yup, just read that.

I'm pretty surprised by this

[Cycl1]

inb4 cave

[abe2010]

Yup, it's ok to do in the Church. He may have done it so Catholics don't go "Popeless" when he dies.

this way avoids the traditional nine days of mourning before conclave begins and his health may have just been deteriorating that fast that he couldn't continue.

it will be interesting to see what role he takes as an ex-pope(if that's the correct terminology)

[abe2010]

inb4 cave

it's only a cave issue if someone drags up an issue that puts it there and this should really be more of a thread on the resignation and transition than any gripes people have with the Church

[JP4CY]

inb4 cave

I'm hoping it doesn't go that way and can remain civil.

I view it as the Pope being humble and not trying to remain in a position of influence while deteriorating. I hope the conclave shows some progression and looks outside the box for the next Pope.

[abe2010]

I'm hoping it doesn't go that way and can remain civil.

I view it as the Pope being humble and not trying to remain in a position of influence while deteriorating. I hope the conclave shows some progression and looks outside the box for the next Pope.

what would you view as outside the box? or would that pull us into the cave...

[CycloneNorth]

this way avoids the traditional nine days of mourning before conclave begins and his health may have just been deteriorating that fast that he couldn't continue.

it will be interesting to see what role he takes as an ex-pope(if that's the correct terminology)

From what I've read it looks like he'll spend his remaining days at a monastery. I'm guessing that outside of maybe some writing we won't hear too much from him.

[3TrueFans]

I hope the conclave shows some progression and looks outside the box for the next Pope.

I just flew to Vegas and put my money on Old White Guy.

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

I'm hoping it doesn't go that way and can remain civil.

I view it as the Pope being humble and not trying to remain in a position of influence while deteriorating. I hope the conclave shows some progression and looks outside the box for the next Pope.

I kind of see it the same way. He's about 85 and most likely can no longer handle the workload that comes with being the pope. At that age your health can deteriorate quickly and he might see the writing on the wall.