General Chat

'zactly Joy. :-D

could it be something to do with his alleged Nazi involvement? I'm a bit of a cynic too

If I remember rightly he never wanted to be nominated originally but bowed to pressure.

Maybe, just maybe he is doing what he considers the right thing. I am not a fan of his, but maybe he can see that his Church needs a stronger, fitter and maybe younger leader.

AnnCardiff, most of us are cynics are some times in our lives.

The present Pope was in the Hitler Youth; it would be odd if he had not been in it as that was expected of young Germans then. He was in the German army, and deserted towards the end of the war.

I wish him well and wish him a happy retirement.

from 2 years ago.......he looks gravely ill and aged 10 years,also he did voice that PJP should maybe have stepped down when he was so very ill.

I'm sure they are far too old when they do become Popes.

What ever it is, one thing is for sure he is going. I only hope the next one will be younger & while holding the values is more intouch with todays world.

I guess those who are of a cynical or suspicious nature will automatically be reading something of the 'nudge nudge, wink, wink' nature into the Pope's sudden resignation.


That is sad. None of us are without faults of some kind and most of us would hate to be doubted over any serious decisions we are called to make in our lives.


I hope his retirement is peaceful.

I hope the next one has a more realistic view on birth control.

Cynthia, the pope doesn't have faults, he's infallible, apparently.

I don't think having a questioning nature is sad at all !!! I remain open minded to his motives.......as I do with many things..far more healthy imho than blind acceptance.

He said if he felt he was not up to the job he would go.he is going,good luck to him in his retirement,at least he kept his word.**M**.

That amongst other RC teachings will never happen Gwynne not in our life time anyway......the next one will be as hallowed to follow to the letter.

Sad,,,,,,no there will be many followers today will be having the same thoughts........as its something thats never happened in their living memory ,they will be left without a leader.......I think people would question just the same if the Queen announced she was handing in the crown.........

I agree on the birth control issue Guinever - I think the RC church has to move forward on that one.

No, the Pope isn't infallible. People often get muddled on that. It doesn't mean that he can't do anything wrong or make a mistake - it's to do with the the principle of papal infallibility and refers only to a very specific situations such as when he is making a solemn decree or infallible statement on a matter of faith or morals.


I have no problem with a questioning nature Muffy, but I actually said 'cynical/suspicious' and that is something else.


Blind acceptance of anything is, indeed, dangerous.


If the Queen abdicated - which seems unlikely - we are all well aware of who would succeed her - so no problem there. However, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't say that she has abdicated for any spurious reasons. Mind you, she was in the Girl Guides.......... ;-)

I had heard that he was suffering from Parkinsons. Don´t know how true it is, but I´m a bit suspicious too.
Have never liked the man, but as I´m not a Catholic, he really means very little to me,However all the Popes I can remember have seen it through to the bitter end & some of them have literally been at death´s door & still not given in.All of which makes me wonder what the real reason is.

I was being ironic, Cynthia, and having a little joke. I am familiar with the doctrine of papal infallibility.

It would be wonderful if a new pope brought new enlightenment but highly unlikely, I fear.

It was John Paul the had Parkinsons...

The Queen like all crowned heads stay for life,,,,,,the uncle dont count as he never was King,,,,,,,,if she steppped down tomorrow saying she no longer could carry on as Queen, then there would be a more reason than being tired...she would still remain Queen and her duties carried out by secondary members,but the public would still think in other areas as to why.......the pope can remain as pope as most of his inhouse work is done by others anyway.

I would guess he is ill and await the outcome in a few weeks or months time....

I realise that Guinevere, but it was a topic which was bound to rear it's head at some stage....just thought I would get it in whilst the going was good ;-)



Wisechild, it was Pope John Paul who had Parkinson's - it hasn't been said that this chap has. There have been comments that John Paul should have retired a couple of years before his death because he was in such a sorry state. :-(



My OH who is Anglican like myself, always remembers a quote from Pope John XXIII when speaking of death........"My bags are packed and I am ready to go".

No Kay, if the Queen abdicates, she is no longer entitled to the title of Queen and would be given a new title.

She will be succeeded by Prince Charles who would then be crowned as King and would take on all the responsibilities previously held by his mother.

I doubt she will ever abdicate though.

Yes OH (who is a Catholic) pointed out it was John Paul who had Parkinsons. OH is no lover of the Catholic clergy generally, but he is quite sure that there is more to this than meets the eye & reminded me of the Papal secretary who copied Vatican documents a few months ago & wonders if there might be a connection.
Whatever the reason, lets hope they elect a younger man next time, who is fully able to fulfil the role for a couple of decades.

met the Rector of my chuch [Church in Wales] while down the shop this pm - asked hm what he thought of the Pope resigning - he said he saw nothing sinister in it and as he is an academic and a highly educated man of the people, I'll take his word for it - I did ask him why they don't appoint younger men to the office of Pope and he said it was simple - they don't want younger men as they are in post for far too long - that's why they always appoint older men