So they cant bust him on those child molestion charges! (Lord I apologize for that there)

 

Man that was bad (altho it was funny also).

 

Funny but they are battleing an image problem in some peoples eyes. Preist's who can't stop touching little kids. I would imagine that will be a problem they will try to tackle.

 

Im not catholic, but IMHO I see a good correlation between a Pope and a Supreme Court Justice. They are chosen based on their past history, but once elevated to the position, they are not bound by any real ties and can basically do whatever they want as it's basically an appointment for life (or most of it at least).

I think in an entity such as the catholic church, change comes very gradually. Basically, changes will come with each new Pope; choosing one aged many years will basically bring about a quicker change in popes, and overall quicker change...

just some thoughts I have on the issue...

 

woot, from polish to german. good times.

31C

 

While JP2 was Pope from 1978 till just last week, let's not forget that the Pope just prior to him (John Paul I) died just 33 days after becoming Pope.

After hearing how old Ratzinger is, I thought, "Oh, this is gonna be like JP I.

Hope I'm wrong, but my guess is they picked someone who they assumed would not last too long while they figure out the transitions they will certainly need to make for the future of the church to survive.

 

I am surprised to see such a religious topic being debated on a secular website...I'm actually surprised and happy

Anyway, I agree with the sentiment that Pope Benedict XVI is a "transitional" selection, to honor our beloved John Paul II...Ratzinger was essentially his "right-hand man" from 1981 through the present. His age was a major asset since I think most in the church need time to adjust to the lost...and God willing, the next Pope will lead the church forward. You could call him a "lame duck" Pope.

I don't forsee an African pope before an American pope (politics). Since the US is seen as a "world power" the church will shy away from an American pope to maintain seperation from church and state. The reason an African Cardinal will not be elected in my lifetime is not prejudice, but once again politics--the African membership in the church is the youngest group, and their leadership is seen as "children" due to their more recent history int he Church. In contrast, the tradition of electing an Italian pope has become cliche.

Lastly, the selection of a new Papal name is traditional, and not mandatory. It began somewhere in the 10th century, when a non-Italian was elected Pope, and wanted to have a more "Roman" name...the choice of name reflects the Pope's personal influences, his papal policy goals, and often the state of affairs in the church.

Whew!!....glad I got that off my chest

 

ah, thank you.

 

whatever happend to a ITALIAN pope...prase be the lord....or something like that....and to think i was a alterboy on the '60s and never got molested...damn i'd be rich now ...zap!

 

The way I see it, we ought to be more in to Jesus, pray less to Mary, and recognize that there is only one "Holy Father"

 

Not very far from the truth though . . . they are nasty people.

 

i have seen on tv how happy people are with the new pope and how grade school kids jumping for joy. (and i am glad they are happy, it is a good thing to be happy about)

question,

How will his being pope effect anyones daily life, religeous life and what will be different than the previous pope?

 

he was assassinated.

 

Yep, by the same guy on the grassy knoll who shot Kennedy.
I think he also murdered Marilyn Monroe and kidnapped Elvis in his spacecraft.

 

Pope John Paul I wasn't assassinated.

JFK poisoned Marylin Monroe and Elvis shot him for it.
Elvis was then poisoned by John Paul I.
John Paul faked his own death to cover his tracks and today plays the bass fiddle and sings backup vocals in a Bluegrass band. He goes by the name MoonDog.

If you tell anyone these true facts be sure to mention that you read them on the internet.