General Chat

I have the sincere hope that everyone who is joining in this discussion re the Pope's sudden departure from office, will be able to remain on affable terms.


John, I have to plead ignorance and say that I don't know anything about the possible candidates - I didn't think to look at possibilities. Interesting selection though. Whoever it is, they are certainly going to have their work cut out dealing with the dreadful abuse scandal and the interfaith relationships.


Does anyone remember the old film "The Shoes of the Fisherman"? It starred Anthony Quinn and David Janson I think. It was about the death of the Pope and the election of a new one. Anthony Quinn played a very humble Russian cardinal named Kyril who got duly elected to the post despite his protestations.

Shortly before his enthronement, he sneaked away from the Vatican because he knew that his future would be so limited and enclosed. He found himself in some tenements in Rome.......and moved around the homes seeing the poverty and distress.....it was very moving.


Guinevere, I think yours is a valid point - there comes a time in everyone's life when enough is enough.


I admit to feeling sorry for priests when they are old and sick as they generally have no family left to care for them and they simply move into a home with other old priests. I understand why whichever Pope it was declared that priests should be celibate but I think it's caused more problems than it has solved.

From what I've been reading he was a very reluctant pope in the first place. If it's become too much for him then good on him for stepping aside.

It establishes a precedent and will make it easier for future popes to step down when the job becomes too onerous which can only be a good thing.

Kay

most of the rumours seem to be saying that he will go to the Pope's Summer Home, Castel Gandolfo (??sp) initially. Then he will move in to an old convent in the Vatican City, which is currently undergoing renovation. And that he will then spend his time in prayer and contemplation.

I supose this may mean he could leave the Vatican and go to be near his family I belive he has a brother and sister.

I will post here that we will be away from Tuesday morning until some time on Friday.


I will not be using any computer while away, thus not accessing any internet sites


Therefore, the fact that I do not respond to any comments from anyone merely means that I have not seen it, and to nothing else!

I have copied my post over to the thread where it belongs ............... so people reading that thread will also be able to see what I objected to.

John


I do apologise for the way in which your thread has been affected, and hi-jacked this evening.


I did not intend it to be so.

Dear Athiest in Wales

I responded on the other thread because that was where the original remarks were made ............ and because I wanted to keep controversy off this thread. It has managed to remain non-controversial for almost the whole time since it was started ...... largely due I believe to the efforts of Cynthia who is held in high regard by most, if not all, GR members, including myself.


but perhaps not you?


As you have RR'd my posting from your thread ................ I will reply to your demand.


I found your juvenile joking about the possible variation in electing a new Pope extremely disrespectful to the Catholic religion, and to the members of the Catholic Church.

I am not religious,a s I have stated many times, but I do believe in respect for ALL religions, including athiest and Wiccan, etc, and in respect for all members of those religions.


That disrespect is what disgusted me!

Sylvia,

I have reported your post on my thread as you C & Pd posts from THIS thread onto mine which have absolutely nothing to do with my thread.

Should GR not uphold my complaint I will happily delete my thread as I will not allow it to be used as a platform for you to cross contaminate.

Sue

I don't think Ouellet will succeed ............... too recently moved to Rome, and too Canadian


don't forget that the largest voting block of cardinals are still European .............. and while they have elected 2 non-Italian popes in succession, I don't think they are ready to move out of the European sphere.

they're also probably not yet ready for an African pope

well said George :-( :-(

I personally couldn't give a hoot who the Catholics get as their next pope, just hope he cleans up all the covering up of the priests who abuse children.

what a two faced bunch these holy Joes are.

George

The leading contenders are likely to be:
Cardinal Oullet of Quebec
Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana
Cardinal Angelo Scolo of Milan
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri of Argentine

Scolo is an expert in Islam, and the Pope got into serious problems over an early text criticising the prophet Mohammmed. So an expert in that area might be timely as Pontiff.

And Oullet is a great diplomat and is emerging as favourite.

Dear disgustedinCanada

Please do C & P the offensive post on my thread which relates to the incumbent as I cannot find find it.

Thank you

AtheistinWales

I see yet again Sylvia you manage to pull me up on something - and does no one have a sense of humour any more? I get the distinct feeling that you don't approve of me and jump on me for most things I post - have I ever unwittingly offended you in some way? if I have it was not intentional I can assure you

I'm wondering why programmes such as The Vicar of Dibley, Father Ted and Oh Father had such wide audiences

Gee thanks Sylvia. Nice to know that we are all adults on here..... :-D


As I have posted on the other thread, I see that one of the few people the Pope confided in was his brother. This makes me wonder if he has been given some bad health news and turned to family for support and comfort.

Everything is just speculation at the moment and it may be that we will never know the real reason. Maybe it isn't for us to know either.

I have to say that I have been disgusted with what has been posted on another thread re the Pope's resignation.

At least this thread seems to have remained polite .......... at least the parts that I have read.


I congratulate you!

AnnC


knowing how fast things posted on GR get onto the internet


was it really wise to publish the name of your vicar, and assign those thoughts to him??


much better to have probably left it as just "my vicar"

I may very well have a go at some pancakes Cynthia - how hard can it be?

Met my vicar,, this morning, he is not too enamoured with the new Archbishop and when I suggested John Sentimu he didn't think much of that either - said those who work with him are no too keen on him

You never know indeed John... ;-)


I met Justin Welby a few years ago. Very nice chap with plenty of commonsense I thought. I certainly don't envy him his new role though - there are some massive challenges ahead of him. :-S