The Pope’s resignation
THE resignation of Pope Benedict has come as a real shock.
And even though it has come as a shock, it would seem that it has been planned for some time.
The last pontiff to resign was Pope Celestine V in 1294. The papacy is the last absolute monarchy in Europe and Pope Benedict could be doing it a favour by stepping down and letting it move into the 21st century and deal with the scandals that have beleaguered it.
The Pope said he wishes to continue to serve the church “through a life dedicated to prayer” and no doubt everyone would wish him well.
In his statement he said: “I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world … both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me.”
He leaves a Church badly damaged by the child abuse scandals so perhaps this is a good time for change.
For centuries the popes were Italians. Then came a Pole and then a German.
Perhaps it’s time to move away from Europe and elect someone from a different continent.
It would seem that the Catholic Church is in for the biggest change since Vatican II.
And that would do no harm.
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Weather for Dundalk
Saturday 18 May 2013
Today
Heavy rain
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