StarTribune.com | User comments

Pope blesses faithful at St. Peter's Square for first time since resignation announcement

Article by: FRANCES D'EMILIO , Associated Press
Updated: February 17, 2013 - 5:49 AM

3
Comments

Newest first
Oldest first

1 - 3 of 3

David3165Feb. 16, 1310:53 AM

"Benedict would be expected to return to the Vatican, no longer as pope, around the end of April or beginning of May, Lombardi said. He was asked if and when the pope would meet with his successor and whether he would participate in his installation Mass; like many open questions about the end of Benedict's papacy, both issues simply haven't yet been resolved, Lombardi said."......Benedict has asked that this cup be taken from him. The answer is yes. The man will retire to a life of solitude, prayer and reflection. Focus and concentrate on his succesor.

allhailfsmFeb. 16, 13 1:28 PM

This transition is most likely a response to Benedict's association with the child abuse and cover ups of the last 50 years, at least.

Benedict participated in the cover up of the Church's worldwide culture of child sexual abuse. He belongs in prison, with the rest of the enablers who felt that protecting the Catholic Business Empire was more important than protecting children or turning abusers over to the law.

The Catholic Church has zero standing in the moral community, and should be roundly condemned.

owatonnabillFeb. 16, 13 3:25 PM

Whatever the opinions of others, the fact remains that nearly one person out of every six people on this planet see the Pope as the vicar of Christ on Earth. That is tremendous power--AND tremendous responsibility. It is more than likely that the Pope is calling this shot exactly as he sees it: That his age and advancing infirmities have rendered him unable to discharge his duties as he feels they should be discharged, and that he therefore obligated to leave them to a younger, more capable and energetic man. It is the responsible thing to do, after all.