Pope may change conclave rules before leaving: Vatican

Sounds pretty fishy to me…

The article reads, “Benedict has hand-picked more than half the men who will elect his successor. The rest were chosen by the late Pope John Paul, a Pole with whom the German pope shared a determination to reassert a more orthodox Catholicism in the new millennium.”

Where did Jesus condone his disciples sexually abusing children, then covering up the abuse so the crimes could expand geometrically? I don’t recall that anywhere in the Gospels. This simple fact should have informed everyone years ago (including me!) that Believers are not in control of the Vatican, for Believers would knowingly be consigning themselves to everlasting Hell by implementing such an evil policy. Only non-believers would adopt such a policy.

So who’s in control of the Vatican (assuming last week’s putsch was unsuccessful)? Only one entity would have the manpower, resources and not flinch from such an evil policy: Moscow, the Communists. Only they would be capable of pulling this off. And when did they do it? With the “election” of Pope John XXIII in 1958, which explains why by 1961 the Third Secret of Fatima was not released as Mary said it was to be. Again, Believers would never contradict someone they believe to be the Mother of God! Communists, however, would, since they think Jesus is akin to a fairy tale.

For those of you wondering, the “collapse” of the USSR was a strategic ruse, as will be the upcoming collapse of the Chinese Communist government.

This article is disturbing to faithful Catholics for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, deserves much more than Phillip P.’s lack of respect shown in this article. Perhaps Reuters can locate someone who can recognize absolute Truth, appreciate what is sacred, as well as write with more reverence toward the Holy Father.

One specific jab by Phillip was the “His reign also saw Muslim anger after he compared Islam to violence.” I happened to be reading about this from a different source which said, “…The ensuing firestorm was unfortunate, in part because few people read the whole lecture–which was not about Islam at all, but the RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REASON AND FAITH.” The source continues, “…faith and reason desperately need one another…Pope Benedict argues, faith and reason belong together because reason presumes faith. How do scientists know that there’s an underlying logic to the universe? Whey do they assume that nature will work tomorrow the way it did yesterday?…In the end, they take all this on faith–a stance grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition, whether today’s scientists acknowledge it or not…
On another level, much dysfunction in contemporary culture can be explained by attempts to separate reason and faith. Reason without faith becomes skepticism, cynicism, and ultimately nihilism, leading to despair…Faith without reason becomes fundmentalism, extremism, and sometimes violence. We see this today in radical currents within Islam, which justify terrorism and hatred in the name of God. Pope Benedict is well aware, however, that in a different key, the same temptation to irrationality courses through every religion, which makes it all the more important that faith and reason remain on speaking terms.” (direct quotes taken from John L. Allen, Jr.’s book)

I agree with CatholicChild and find this type reporting highly offensive. As horrible as this scandal is, we have to remember that like any other human being, an ordained priest is primarily responsible for his own moral/ethical choices. When homosexuality infiltrated the ranks of the clergy and religious it served as a ticking time bomb. Pope Benedict had nothing to do with this set-up. Since 2002 JPII and Benedict have guided the universal Church as set up new standards to correct the situation. Might they have done more? Hindsight is 20/20, but we have to remember that if they put a mandate out for all homosexual priests to seek laicization, it would have caused a legal and political schism. This type schism would be impossible to heal. We have to see this crisis through a long term lens.
On March 1 or soon thereafter, the world will wake up and see what a saintly man has been steering the Barque of Peter these past eight years. I for one will miss him greatly.

Ditto CatholicChild and MikeRizzio. The article shows bad reporting and a lack of understanding of the Catholic faith and Holy Father Benedict.Pray for him and our next Holy Father

They need to make a rule for stepping a Pope down vs a rule for a Pope dieing.

Unlike the death of a Pope, they know when he is stepping down so there should not need to be a time without a Pope.

Their best bet would be to hold it between 15 and 20 days after he announces he is stepping down.

First…Pope Benedict was elected in 575…I hope you mean Pope Benedict XVI

Second…Pope John Paul was dead in 1996 – the Pope was John Paul II

Third…Pope John Paul did NOT choose any Cardinals – he didn’t have time to before he died 33 days after his election in 1978

If you want me to believe your story get the small details right from the git-go…they ARE still important in this day and age. I’ve seen bloggers more careful than this!

’nuff said.

Pope Benetict may feel more comfortable and believe he can better control the Catholic Church from the sidelines, a puppet master perhaps, rather than in so public a position. Unseen, he may be able to deflect (or bury) any further scandals, as well…?

jlj, I detect a note of bitterness regarding the Holy Father. You have missed out, then, on the leadership of this humble, gentle shepherd.

I did read first thing this morning that Pope Benedict XVI is physically declining in health … one said his blood pressure was exceedingly high. May God bless each hour he remains alive.

And, jlj, may you find mercy for our Pope.