I was going to say he's a Poper, but he's more like a pooper.

The Pope's a quitter.

He's probably got a contract for a reality show on Fox.

Piers Morgan is a Catholic?   Some questions:

1. How often does he attend Mass?

2. Does he adhere to the Church's teachings on Life?

If the answers are (1) never or rarely; and/or (2) no, he's pro-abortion, then he has no business calling himself Catholic.   It's not an ethnicity, it's a belief.  

Oh, and I note from Wikipedia that he's divorced.  

Piers Morgan claiming he's Catholic to establish his bona fides to offer conspiracy theories about Pope Benedict is a bit like Obama claiming he shoots skeet "all the time" to establish his bona fides to criticize gun owners.

AtC  -  Occam's  razor  leads  me  to  believe  that he probably  does  have  dementia  or  onset  of  it.  If  he was  terminally  ill,  he'd  likely   just  stay  on.   From  what  I read, you can  only  resign  freely  of your  will.   So  the dementia  idea  makes  sense.  Resign  now  of your own  free  will  and  spare  the  Church  of  having  to  deal  with  the  mess  of  a  Pope  with  Alzhemiers.   Of  course  all of this  is  simple  speculation.  But  I suspect   you  are  right.

There is something seriously wrong with this man.

The Pope could just kick back in his room and take it easy.  He's got room service, hot and cold running nuns and a great medical plan. 

Quitting because he feels he can't serve the office he's held as well as someone else could?  Who thinks like that?

Piers Morgan says..."I'm not buying this"...about the Pope, 85, who want's to retire for health reasons...

But he 'buys' all the lies that come out of this White House?

Where has he been hiding this sort of scepticism?

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at February 11, 2013 01:06 PM (7ObY1)

I'm not Catholic or particular religious, but it seems to me that if you call yourself an adherent of a religion, you are all in, or you are not

I have little respect for people who take an a la carte approach to their faith's views, then call them selves true believers

Popes don't resign. Google it, people!

--

And  America  doesn't  elect  socialists.

It's simple, i'm just angling for that morning anchor spot on CNN

Is Piers Morgan a egotistical, narcisstic douchebag?

Is the Pope Catholic?

If he leaves while wearing the pope hat then you know he's stealing stuff. You could fit a fortune under it.

I have little respect for people who take an a la carte approach to their faith's views, then call them selves true believers

---

I  have  little  respect  for  people  who  want  to modify  religion   to  suit  their  own  personal   needs.   You  know  its  ok  to accept  that you are  sinner  and  try  to change  (even  if you fail  and  sin  again).   I  am not  interested  in  a  Church  changing  its  beliefs  just  so  that  we  have  less sinners. 

Anyway,  I  take  comfort  in  the  fact  that  Benedict's  cardinal  promotions  likely   prevent  any  liberalization  of the Church.

He's "not buying this" about the Pope...but he totally 'bought' that Benghazi was about a Youtube video.

Actually, it's been a lifelong dream to play LB for the Ravens. I'm going for it.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at February 11, 2013 01:15 PM (7ObY1)

That, plus Hitler was trying to revive Teutonic paganism as essentially a state religion. 

Maybe this is a good precedent, that Benedict is retiring because of failing health, and not waiting to  die as Pope.  It gives the College of Cardinals more time to think at their task of voting in a new Pope.

John Paul II was truly God's good servant here on Earth, but his failing health in his latter years hurt his ability to perform.  I know there was this thought that  his suffering was part of life and he wanted to accept is as that, but he was almost incapacitated from pain at the end.

Disclaimer: I am not a Catholic, although I am married to one. 

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at February 11, 2013 01:13 PM (nxyLn)

Everything I know about Dante's Inferno I learned from Travolta's dance movie 'Staying Alive'

Have They Frisked Benedict for Spoons & Artifacts?

Tonight on Piers Morgan, verified photos of the Pope making off with the silver. Like Judas.

John Paul II always gave me a warm fuzzy feeling (I'm not Catholic) like he was talking to me personally.  He always had a smiley face and just came across as nice.  This guy Benedict, not feeling the warm and fuzzies with this one.  Kinda creepy.

I hope they pick someone who is much younger and I hope they don't pick a black guy, cause quite frankly I'm tired of all the "black" this and that for the last 4 years.  However, I think that is exactly who they will pick, to appeal to the idiots in the Catholic church who voted for the idiot in the white house.

84 This guy Benedict, not feeling the warm and fuzzies with this one. Kinda creepy.

-------

It's the zombie eye sockets.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at February 11, 2013 01:19 PM (kqqGm

President Shrillary will peel the wallpaper off the walls of the Oval Office when she leaves after eight years.

Didn't the Clinton's leave The White House with just about everything that wasn't bolted down?

---

I just couldn't find anything sturdy enough to bolt Hilary to...

Piers Morgan....skeptical about the Pope.

But *not* skeptical about Fast and Furious, Benghazi, and everything else that this Administration is lying about.

I have little respect for people who take an a la carte approach to their faith's views, then call them selves true believers

---

It  would  be  nice  to find  someone  who  is a  hybrid  of  the two, but that  may  be  impossible.  Someone  who  could  inspire  like  JPII  with  the  intellectual  rigor  of  Benedict.  Both  moved  the  Church   to  the  "right"  (used  loosely)  and  were  more  orthodoxical  in  their  leadership.   I  hope  for a   continuation  of  the  same.

As  I said  in  a previous  post.   It  couldn't  have  been  easy  to  follow  JPII,  particularly   with  the  abuse  scandal   at  the forefront.  

I  suspect   the  next  Pope  will  have  an easier  go  of it.

Posted by: Marmo at February 11, 2013 01:19 PM (QW+AD)

Torrance PD mistook the Popemobile for Chris Dorner's truck. 

I do love the hysterical flailing that's going on from people who seem to believe the man woke up this morning,     called a meeting, and said, "You know, I    don't think I want to be Pope anymore.   It's    just not my bag, baby.      Give it to someone else."

Anyone who thinks this was a    rash    decision,      and not something that was     discussed and prayed over by Benedict and his inner circle for a long time,     is either a fool or a Democrat.  BIRM.

Posted by: SH at February 11, 2013 01:18 PM (gmeXX)

I don't know, I'm looking at the list of possible Popes I don't see many moderates in the crowd. Unless you consider using condoms in the case of AIDS victims moderate. Not sure where all of you Catholics stand on this.

Hey, if he wants to quit let him...

But remember, people will hold this against him if he tries to run for higher office.

.... are now whipbitching about Benedict giving up the power of the papacy????

---

The liberal mind cannot conceive giving up power...

Posted by: Caustic at February 11, 2013 01:21 PM (/b8+5)

Catpiss, you would know all about saying anything just to get attention.

Posted by: Caustic at February 11, 2013 01:21 PM (/b8+5)

Saying you're startled is a) what you're supposed to say I think and b) doesn't imply that this particular announcement startled him.  He could have been startled when the pope first told them and is merely recounting that.  and C) the pope may have kept it to himself.

All plausible.

Posted by: museisluse at February 11, 2013 01:07 PM (G4YiV)

-------------------------------------------------

This.  He knows he inserted himself into something American that foreigners have absolutely no knowledge in.  He only knows British mentality.

The Pope is  a  much more universal a subject to demean.

Um..the Pope was a frail man when he assumed the office at age 78. I assume he's been told that he has only a limited time left on this earth by his doctors.

At this delicate time in Christianity's history, he doesn't want any disruptions or divisions.

He's putting his faith above himself.

What a weird guy!

He can no longer travel the world at a time that it's required of a Pope.

I'm not a Roman Catholic, but I greatly respect this man.

Crap,  I  totally  screwed  up   the  cut  and  paste,  so  my  comment  makes  no  sense.

Here is  what  I meant  to  respond  to:

"I hope they pick someone who is much younger and I hope they don't pick a black guy, cause quite frankly I'm tired of all the "black" this and that for the last 4 years. However, I think that is exactly who they will pick, to appeal to the idiots in the Catholic church who voted for the idiot in the white house."

---

It would be nice to find someone who is a hybrid of the two, but that may be impossible. Someone who could inspire like JPII with the intellectual rigor of Benedict. Both moved the Church to the "right" (used loosely) and were more orthodoxical in their leadership. I hope for a continuation of the same.

As I said in a previous post. It couldn't have been easy to follow JPII, particularly with the abuse scandal at the forefront.

I suspect the next Pope will have an easier go of it.

The Queen's a year older than The Pope. Can't see her ever resigning because she's tired. #indefatigability1infallibility0

Why do I have a feeling Piers     isn't a stout monarchist?   Why am I pretty sure he's   one of those who'd happily call for QEII to step down and abolish the monarchy?   

Piers is an insult to    the few sensible Brits who still survive despite their country's desperate attempts to kill them off.

The Queen won't step aside because Bonnie Prince Charlie would become King, and the Queen (his mum) is pretty fed up with his idiocy.

She is waiting for his oldest son to be ready to be King.

Good luck getting Glorified chump.

They don't make saints out of quitters.

Posted by: Jones in CO at February 11, 2013 01:25 PM (8sCoq)

------

Stop.Reasoning.With.Rocks.

#124 Torrance PD mistook the Popemobile for Chris Dorner's truck.

Posted by: Insomniac at February 11, 2013 01:23 PM (DrWcr)

It's a good thing the Popemobile is bulletproof.

Posted by: ParanoidGirlInSeattle at February 11, 2013 01:25 PM (RZ8pf)

I'm pretty sure that's already been worked out behind the    scenes.      Chuck is too much of a flip embarrassment to ever have the throne.   I'm thinking one of the caveats to letting him marry Camilla was getting his promise   --- no doubt in writing --   to step aside so Wills could take the      throne.    

I don't know, I'm looking at the list of possible Popes I don't see many moderates in the crowd. Unless you consider using condoms in the case of AIDS victims moderate. Not sure where all of you Catholics stand on this.

--

I  think  it  very  unlikely   for  a  moderate  to  be  elected. 

Posted by: Reader C.J. Burch writes.... at February 11, 2013 01:26 PM (RFeQD)

No- Charles won't be skipped over

Posted by: Miss Marple at February 11, 2013 01:26 PM (GoIUi)

The Pope also has more authority and responsibility in the Catholic Church than the queen does in the UK.

Posted by: Jones in CO at February 11, 2013 01:26 PM (8sCoq)

Ha!

Yikes. The SEAL who shot OBL said he shot him three times in the forehead and it opening up in a "V" shape. Said the American public would not want to see the picture because it's so gruesome.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at February 11, 2013 01:28 PM (UOM4

I would still like to see that picture.   Very much.

But there are a few oddities here that suggest something's up, not least of which is that he's resigning in two weeks.

----

Imp,  I think   the  short  two-week  period   has  more  to do  with  making   certain  his  successor  is  in  place  by   Easter  than  anything  else.   Lots  to  do  Easter  week.   Makes  sense.   Also  gives  the  new  Pope   a   platform  to  take  the stage  -  his  first  Easter  celebration.   Having  your  predecessor  living,  if  out  of  the public  eye,  does  make  this  a unique  situation.  

Maybe he decided to give up the Papacy for Lent.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 11, 2013 01:29 PM (673KB)

"And YIKES!   If they start expecting people to be competent at their jobs, then they might start expecting ME to      draw in more viewers than late night infomercials for weight loss scams.  SHIT!"

I still like the idea of a Jedi Pope.

"I find your lack of faith...disturbing."

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at February 11, 2013 01:30 PM (4df7R)

I don't want to see the picture.  But tough shit for him.  The photo should be available for anyone who wants to see it.  He's wrong and so are a bunch of others, especially fuckstick Obama.

Posted by: t-bird at February 11, 2013 01:31 PM (FcR7P

Followed by the inevitable film starring the unbearably smug Tom Hanks.

Followed by the inevitable film starring the unbearably smug Tom Hanks.

---

Worse,  The  Godfather  4

Cardinal Dolan would be teh awesome.
Posted by: Y-not at February 11, 2013 01:24 PM (5H6zj)

No, he wouldn't. Not unless you want the entire worldwide Church co-opted by the Democrat party and not just the US.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at February 11, 2013 01:33 PM (kdS6q)

Go in peace, eh.

The amount of hatred the Catholic Church receives from both the right and left is disgusting.

--

I  think  the  vast  majority  comes  from  the  left.

Posted by: Soona at February 11, 2013 01:35 PM (drE9i)

And I don't crap in the woods, either.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at February 11, 2013 01:33 PM (8y9MW)

This universe, I want to live in it.

Pick on me all you want MissMarple, but I think the fact that John Paul was such a personable guy led to his great popularity with people other than just Catholics.

As one comment said it's the zombie eye sockets, yup that's it.  He's creepy and doesn't project warmth to those of us who aren't Catholic and quite frankly laugh at the wishy washy following of the rules of faith by the Catholics over the last 40 plus years.

Even though I wasn't Catholic I still sent my son to Catholic school K-8 and I have respect for the church and any churches (other than Islam) where the leaders who can get their message and/or personality across to the masses, it's very effective.

Average age of all popes elected since 1400 is 62.39 years. Benedict XVI was 78 years & 3 days old when elected. Here's an idea, elect someone in his 30's or 40's. He'll be around for awhile.

40's or 50's I could see, but 30's strikes me as    very young.   That's not to say that there aren't any Catholics in their 30s who would make excellent Popes, but I DO think    any candidate would need a little more life experience under his belt;  the Papacy is a   very tough job.      Heck, in modern America a 30 year old Catholic may conceivably have just gotten off his parents' health insurance four years earlier.

But, again, not a Catholic.   That's just my thought process.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at February 11, 2013 01:28 PM (UOM4

We got to see both of Saddam's sons who were shot way more than 3 times.  I look at conspiracy theories with a jaded eye but that doesn't mean they don't  exist in some manner.  Not having any photos released and the quick burial at sea does nothing but raise suspicions. 

First of all, Morgan is in the MFM.  Secondly, he's English.  Those two facts make his "knowledge" of the Catholic Church and its hierarchy (to say nothing of its theology) less than useless.

Pope Benedict is a man of staggering intellect.  I guarantee you he didn't pull this idea out of his ass.  I'm sure he realizes the drift there was in the Church during John Paul II's long decline and he wishes to spare both himself and the Church that.

Carnival Barker knows that making controversial statemenets will be repeated on blogs and will garner him more attention/viewers.

I think that it is time we stop.

As one comment said it's the zombie eye sockets, yup that's it. He's creepy and doesn't project warmth to those of us who aren't Catholic and quite frankly laugh at the wishy washy following of therules of faithby the Catholics over the last 40 plus years.

---

If i recall correctly, he was recently voted the 11th funniest German of all time...

Posted by: rickb223 at February 11, 2013 01:35 PM (GFM2b)

I've heard some speculation that they probably won't elect another pope as young as John Paul II was for sometime.  62.39 years back in the 1400's probably wasn't much of a life left to live either.  I think a better look would be the average length of time Pope's served since the 1400's

Posted by: Theresa at February 11, 2013 01:37 PM (oYXGc)

Posted by: tsrblke (work) at February 11, 2013 01:38 PM (oG3dE)

Ditto...   That hashtag looks familiar...

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at February 11, 2013 01:38 PM (4df7R)

As I understand it, after JP2, there really isn't much clamoring for a long term pope again.

The church doesn't think like the supreme court, and try to pick people for the long haul, there really is some thinking that popes should be old, wise, and live for 30 years.

As a Protestant, I'm completely confused by Pope-related stuff, but I have often wondered about this: How can professed Catholic politicians like Pelosi and Kerry and Cuomo, who publicly (and even vociferously) advocate and argue for abortion and other policies, programs and legislation completely antithetical to Church teaching, still be Catholic? 

Please understand: I don't mean to insult or intrude upon your religion or anything disrespectful. I'm genuinely curious.

[iAs far as Her Royal BAMFness, I fully believe she is damn well determined to live past Charles to make sure he never even thinks about maybe possibly some day being King. That being said, I do agree that the whole marrying Camilla thing had a major so you'll abdicate for Wills string attached to it. My current working theory is that once Kate has the baby then the Queen will step aside, Charles will step aside and William will ascend to the throne. Remember, the laws of succession were very quietly changed last year to make it that their first born, whether male or female, would be the next in line. Thus there's no needing to wait for a male heir now.
[/i]

This,   because AtC says things much better than I can.

I'd also add that QEII wants to reign longer than Victoria.   She's got about two more years to go before she matches the latter's 63 years on the throne.

222 Here's an idea, elect someone in his 30's or 40's. He'll be around for awhile.

That's the right idea.  Reach down into the ranks and pick out some 30 something charismatic priest and claim everyone came to the same conclusion at once - inspired by God.

Pump up the brand and bring in the utes.  Pound the populist message and dabble on the edge of politics.

In about 4 years, the Illuminati can take this guy out, but the increase in church goers would remain for decades.

This  is  how  the  media  operates:  As  a  Republican   I  can  basically   say  anything  about  being a  Republican,  even  if  I haven't  voted  for a  Republican  in  6  elections  nor  endorsed  a  Republican  in  that  same  time.  Still  I'm  a  Republican.

Please understand: I don't mean to insult or intrude upon your religion or anything disrespectful. I'm genuinely curious.

----

I miss the days of public excommunications. Heck, how about a good ole interdict?

Posted by: ml at February 11, 2013 01:40 PM (iEoiA)

I'm in charge, here at the Vatican.

Posted by: SH at February 11, 2013 01:40 PM (gmeXX)

I've heard it said "They came to See JP2, they come to hear Benedict."

I think it's accurate, and telling.  Not that JP2 was bad, he was a great pope, perfect for the time.  But the church needed (and still needs) something different I think.

I'd be curious to see if there were drops in church members anywhere after JP2 (my guess would be yes, especially in places like the US.)  We need something more lasting than his charisma could provide.

Also once heard "God Blesses us, it's been more than 500 years since we had a wicked pope!"  True, and I hope it continues.

I can't remember his name, but iirc there's a very good (and by "good" I mean orthodox) African Cardinal that could be a good person, not out of political correctness but simply because that is a growing area for the Church.

Cardinal Arinze, I believe.

Cardinal Dolan would be teh awesome.

The one thing the Curia will never do is pick an American pope.  It puts the Chair of Peter into the hands of a man who belongs to the preeminent superpower and opens a whole politico-religious can or worms.  Also, Rome is deeply suspicious of and antagonistic to, what they consider the "American" Church.

Posted by: imp at February 11, 2013 01:25 PM (UaxA0)

It's Italian law. He has to give two weeks notice, or forgo his unemployment benefits.

Posted by: troyriser at February 11, 2013 01:43 PM (vtiE6)

They claim the "I'm personally against abortion, but I can't force my personal beliefs on those that I serve."  In other words they're full of shit.  And they should probably be excommunicated.  But not up to me.

Okay, if the Pope would really force-choke Pelosi, I would totally convert to Catholicism.

Me too.  Just think of how an audience with him would go...

if Piers is a Catholic     then I'm a small black-and-tan     schnauzer    with a drinking problem and a gimpy right foreleg.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at February 11, 2013 01:47 PM (8y9MW)

As I understand it, you don't HAVE to be a    priest to become Pope.      You just have to be a good Catholic.

Posted by: Theresa at February 11, 2013 01:37 PM (oYXGc)

Posted by: Average Joe at January 22, 2013 02:30 PM (oYXGc)

Do they have the name of the next Pope already selected?  Does the selected Pope get to make that call? 

I would like Pope Dewayne Alonzo Camacho the II 

Adding Mountain Dew would be too much.

Posted by: at AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channeling Breitbart  February 11, 2013 01:47 PM (8y9MW)

In reaching out towards the Episcopal Church and the Eastern Churches I think he offered them the ability to join the Catholic clergy even if they are married with children.  But, no marriage and no kids if you come up through the regular channels, ie ordination as a Catholic Priest.

Posted by: ParanoidGirlInSeattle at February 11, 2013 01:45 PM (RZ8pf)

But not even a good Parody.

@Whatev,

It's in there in Cannon law, it's just so rarely used people don't talk about it much.  Especially considering that anyone born past 1978 will only remember 2, maybe 3 popes. JPI (maybe) JP2, and Benedict.  It's almost as though people haven't thought much about papal transitions.

 So I admit - even though I later became an agnostic, I don't see where he has the right to quit. Seems like the resignation letter is undeliverable to other dimensions.

---

there are multiple historical precedents.

Basically the Pope makes the rules.

If he wants to revise the election process, he can

If he wants to name a sucessor, he can.

If he wants to make the next Pope selection based on a singing competition he can

His authority is complete.

Trsblke  --  JPII's  role  in  helping  to  defeat  Communism  alone  is  great,  but he did many  other  things.  Hard  to tell if  there  was  any  decline  in  membership  after  him,  but  since  it  corresponded  with  the  scandal,  it would  be  difficult  to  tell.

From  my   experience  in  Houston,  since  Benedict  and  the election of  Cardinal  Dinardo,  church  membership   has  gone  up,  masses  seem  to  have  a  lot  more  people.  You  also  see  a  lot  more  younger  members.   Of  course  this  may  simply   be observational  bias.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at February 11, 2013 01:28 PM (UOM4

I guess we Canucks must be made of sterner stuff. I've seen shit before, and it hasn't bothered me.

"It's a big complex organization. Someone in their 30's is not likely to have the wisdom, experience, or restraint to lead it well. Late 40's would be pushing it."

Posted by: MikeTheMoose Offering Moobats Gasoline and Matches at February 11, 2013 01:46 PM (0q2P7)

They've got a big, complex bureaucracy to run everything, so the Pope doesn't have to know shit.  If they're smart, they'll go with the most charasmatic guy they can find to pump the numbers up. 

Well sure MissMarple, we all can't be scholars like you.  I'm just stating my opinion of my perceptions of JPII and Benedict, that's all.  If the Catholic Church which is quite frankly a laughing stock most of the time because they don't excommunicate assholes like Kennedy, Pelosi and the like for idiotic statements against the church, I feel I am entitled to state my opinion on how they could appeal to more people.  Hell I'd be happy if they actually spent some time on making sure priests are molesting kids instead of whether their masses are in Latin.

Is that ok for ya MissMarple?

299 what do we call the pope when he's no longer pope?

Past ~600 years:  dead

Now:  insert suggestion here

Has anyone mentioned that the LA ex-cop murderer looks just like LL Cool J?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 11, 2013 01:52 PM (673KB)

------------------------------------------------

The internet is chocked  full of even worse pics.  Anyone has access to them.   Give us the picture!!   

@299 

  What do we call the Pope when he no longer is the Pope?

  Well, when he was younger he liked to be called "The Rat Man".... so there's that....  

Posted by: Soona at February 11, 2013 01:58 PM (drE9i

But, but, cat piss told us only New Yorkers should be allowed to see the pic because they're the only ones who care about 9/11.  She traveled throughout the U. S. and found it to be fact!

Retiring before you are so debillitated you cannot perform the duties of your office?

The US Senate gasps in both horror and wonder.

Anyone have a link to who is currently the hot money with the bookies in the UK?

Who's currently leading on Intrade?

I would like to take this opportunity to go off topic and say that, in the 11th century, England had a king   (also king of Denmark)      for     forty days whose name was     Sweyn Forkbeard.

We need these names to make a resurgence, people.   Get on that.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 11, 2013 01:58 PM (B/VB5)

We're on it.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at February 11, 2013 02:00 PM (UOM4

---------------------------------------------------

Well, she was right about the Pope retiring.  May God help us.

How about Criss Angel?  You get a Pope who can do the "floating" trick on the street and the pews would be packed around the world.

Then all it would take is for the new Pope to say how cool it was to take out Muslims.

Someone is asking for a box.

And not the good kind.

Posted by: t-bird at February 11, 2013 02:04 PM (FcR7P)

------------------------------------------

But the reputation stands.  Catholic girls rocked.

Posted by: lincolntf at February 11, 2013 02:06 PM (ZshNr)

Welcome to the party, pal!

Ask him what "neigh impossible" means.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) Channelling Breitbart at February 11, 2013 02:08 PM (8y9MW)

His chances with Sarah Jessica Parker?

Posted by: Pope Benedict at February 11, 2013 02:03 PM (z3Lez)

LOL... yeah.... because the way he thinks England is sooooo great??? Shouldn't he be a "Church of England" kinda guy?

Cake, or Death?

Posted by: John P. Squibob at February 11, 2013 02:10 PM (kqqGm)

------------------------------------------------

You're forgetting.  This is "Viable Excuse Monday".

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at February 11, 2013 02:05 PM (QTHTd)

Sounds like the title to a Seventies private eye series. With a talking car. And a helipcopter. Show a guy in a plaid Seventies leisure suit being thrown out of an office building window for no good reason. A deep voiceover that says, 'He's a rule breaker, a maverick, a loose cannon who follows only one law. His law. Cannon Law...'. Cue really cool soundtrack with lots of synthesizer and funky bass.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Team Stompy. at February 11, 2013 01:52 PM (VtjlW)

I am certain that the reason the Church does not excommunicate nominally "catholic" politicians like Pelosi is that they would be seen as attempting to interfere in the political processes of a sovereign nation, and the blowback from that would harm the Church.

Posted by: troyriser at February 11, 2013 02:15 PM (vtiE6)

And Cannon either is    or is friends with     a     sass-spouting    black man with a phenomenal 'fro.  

True. But I've yet to meet a human being who actually thought he might be losing his grip.

Especially when that person is losing his grip.

Posted by: jwb7605 (Let It Burn) at February 11, 2013 02:15 PM (Qxe/p)

Was gonna say... Exhibit 1: Barrak Obama....

But... can you loose what you never had to begin with?

Posted by: jwb7605 (Let It Burn) at February 11, 2013 02:15 PM (Qxe/p)

It's more common than you'd think. Firstly, the pope has lots of trusted advisers.

Secondly, in the cases of Alzheimer's it's quite common for the people to recognize their condition during the periods of lucidity.  Most dementia have a slow ramp up period (often followed by stability, then a more rapid decline), so if the hunches are accurate he could still be in the early enough stages to recognize the oncoming problem and he's wise enough to act.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 11, 2013 02:15 PM (673KB)

Yeah.... because the Catholic Church has NEVER meddled in Politics...

Does the Pope lose his Holiness after the new Pope is selected?  

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at February 11, 2013 01:57 PM (e0xKF)

Not to mention that the males in her line have tended to die early.

Sounds like the title to a Seventies private eye series. With a talking car. And a helipcopter. Show a guy in a plaid Seventies leisure suit being thrown out of an office building window for no good reason. A deep voiceover that says, 'He's a rule breaker, a maverick, a loose cannon whofollows only one law. His law. Cannon Law...'. Cue really cool soundtrack with lots of synthesizer and funky bass.

CANNON LAW: A Quinn Martin Production.

Tonight's Episode:  The Vatican Freak-Out.

With Special Guest Star Larry Storch.

And Introducing Joey Heatherton as "Mama" Superior.

True. But I've yet to meet a human being who actually thought he might be losing his grip.

Especially when that person is losing his grip.


Posted by: jwb7605 (Let It Burn) at February 11, 2013 02:15 PM (Qxe/p)

His    doctor    recently recommended that he forego any     trans-Atnlantic     travel due to his health.  Whether that's mental or physical health     I can't say for sure,    but it's clear he's     growing more and more    frail by the day.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at February 11, 2013 02:21 PM (VpkjW)

Was that for the election of Rodrigo Borgia?  Of course she would want to stop him.  He was a Templar.

Can  the  Queen  just  give  the  crown  to  William?   Or  does  it  HAVE  to  go  to  her  son?

Whenever  talking  about  the  Queen  I  always  recall  Frank  Dreben  talking  about  how  silly  we  may  think  having  a  queen  is.

468 At one point in Papal history, the College of Cardinals claimed they could not meet to elect a new Pope. Because Caterina S'Forza and her forces held the Castle S'angelo who's cannons commanded where the Cardinals were meeting. So the story goes they pleaded with Caterina's husband to talk sense into her and let them elect a new Pope.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at February 11, 2013 02:21 PM (VpkjW)

See?  Cannon Law.

I would think however, that since he's earned the "Holy Father" title, that won't change.

---

Holy Grandfather?

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Author of Amy Lynn available on KINDLE finally at February 11, 2013 02:26 PM (l86i3)

Pretty sure Blood & Chrome was a prequel.    Lee "Apollo" Adama was Adama's son in the reimagined version.   I don't recall if Richard Hatch's Apollo   was Lorne Greene's son in the original,   having only seen bits and pieces.

Prequel.
Network series began and ended with the flight from the Ceylons, always in uncharted space. No "jump drives".

I think you mean Cylon, as opposed to the former name of current Sri Lanka.

Posted by: sans_sheriff at February 11, 2013 02:32 PM (OQHM+)

Well, if the Revelationy prognostications are correct, "papal thunder" may not be far off.

Posted by: imp at February 11, 2013 02:33 PM (UaxA0)

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE!?

Papal Thunder.    Sounds like an energy drink.

Posted by: jwb7605 (Let It Burn) at February 11, 2013 02:35 PM (Qxe/p)

lol!

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet, Author of Amy Lynn available on KINDLE finally at February 11, 2013 02:28 PM (l86i3)

-----------------------------------------------

Which reminds me.  We haven't heard from JeffB or Hollowpoint about this.

It was not the next Star Trek. God, I hated that kid's pet

Kids on TV shows or in films     are NEVER A GOOD THING.     

Well, I shouldn't say never.   One in a hundred is okay.   But the other 99 should all be cut from the script by the studio before the damn thing goes into production.

Posted by: L, elle at February 11, 2013 02:40 PM (0PiQ4)

That's why we're hanging out down here.   You don't want a bunch of foul-mouthed drunks befouling a memorial thread.

OT (does it matter at this point?)

Ted Nugent is going to be a guest at the SoTU.  

I'd almost be tempted to tune in now instead of watching the Dog Show.

The reason they don't go around excommunicating the lapsed is that it would cost them money. Catholic parishes, at least around here, are closing at a very fast rate. They would probably go out of business completely if they told most of the few who are still strict that their family members are no longer welcome.

I consider myself a lapsed Catholic,  and I don't accept communion on the rare occasions that I attend Mass. Anecdonatlly, I have heard family members say that that they don't need to go to confession, they could just forgive themselves. They take communion and do not think twice about it. 

I had another relative who was trying to get their baby baptised. The poor kid was born out of wedlock, so the local pastor wouldn't consent to the baptism until the parents got married. Well, the relative blistered the pastor with "how dare you judge me?!?!?!??!" and ripped into him about child-molesting priests.

The baptism happened the following Saturday.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 11, 2013 02:37 PM (C8mVl)

Yep.  People forget that John Paul II was able to accomplish as much as he did because of Pope Benedict's help and friendship.  Benedict was never an attention seeker type Pope, he was the guy who kept everything moving and in order.

Catholic parishes, at least around here, are closing at a very fast rate.

___

The suburbs are getting the Catholics who are fleeing the city.

Parishes out here are having to build bigger sanctuaries and schools. This is in more affluent suburbia. Blue collar suburban parishes aren't faring as well.

Well, since we're doing Papal history, here's a strange story about the trial of the corspe of Pope Formosus....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadaver_Synod

Kallisto, you are in Philadelphia or the surrounding area if I recall correctly. I am in South Philly, one of he last bastions of the Church in the city. You are absolutely correct about the demoghraphic shift. Even with the influx of teh allegedly religious Latinos we're shuittering churches and merging schools like crazy.

I was disappointed when my son went to Catholic school for K-8.  He wanted to become Catholic, but we were Baptists (not regular church going though), they wouldn't allow him to become Catholic unless we converted.

I never heard of a church not accepting someone who was genuinely interested in their faith and being told that unless your parents convert too, you're screwed, even though we were happy that he chose a religion at all.

The church lost him for life, he basically said screw'em if they don't want him.

Jaimo  -  I  do  not  know  your  complete  situation,  but  I will speculate  nonethesame.  You  said  K-8,  how  old  was  your son?  Did the Church  say  he  was not yet of  age  to  convert  unless the  parents  converted?  I  could  see that  being  the  reason,  though  not for sure.   I  suspect  there is a  minimal  age  of  some  sort.  Confirmation  is  not until  HS,  so  would  the Church  allow  someone  to go  through  the sacraments  sooner  than  that  without  their  parents  also   being  of the faith?   That  may  be  the  answer.

I  will  say  this,  I don't  disagree with  the  Church's  teachings  on  morality  and  faith,  but I  do  disagree  with  their  administration   from  time  to  time.   And  each  diocese  and  parish  is  different  and  may  set  up  their  own  rules.

For  instance,  even  though  I went to  a  Catholic  HS  and  took  theology  classes  every  semester  and  went  on  retreats,  I  still  had  to  go  through  the  confirmatoin  program  of  my  parish.   My  school  was  not  affiliated  with  a  parish.  I  thought  then  and  still do,  that this was dumb. 

Anyway,  sorry  to  hear  it  turned  off your son.  Maybe  he will give it another  chance  later in life.

"As a catholic, who went to catholic school, with nuns, I don't recall them ever saying Pope was a job you could quit. They taught that preisthood, and I assume by default "Popehood" was not a divorcable relationship."

Uh, whatev, you do know that priests and nuns retire, don't you? Of course, they remain priests (just as B16 will) and nuns - but there is nothing in the religion that says they have to work until they drop. I'm a Catholic, who went to Catholic school, with nuns, and I know that.