General Chat

I think you will find it is regarded as respect and devotion to a man who has done an amazing amount of good. As a Catholic I do not 'worship' the Pope more than I do God. Any estalishment be it religious, eductional, occupational or governmental has a a hierarchichal construction that means inevitably there is a 'man at the top'. In catholocism we happen to be blessed with an icredibile type of human being who has devoted his life to the service of others. He may live in luxurious surroundings but he isn't a man of wealth living the high life at the disadvantage of others. When he passes he will be as poor as the day he took his vows. Despite the fact the questions arent meant to cause offence they have with me. You are putting questions about a persons faith, their lifetime of belief and asking them to justify them. I live in an area of the country where sectarianism is a major problem. It's leads to violence among grown men and schoolchildren being allocated schools based on their religion,all due to a lack of tolerance and understanding. I have to watch Orange marches out of my front window - but I value the right of the protestant community to display their beliefs in this way if thats what they want to do, despite the history and meaning behind it. I dont question others in an accusatory manner about their beliefs . I just wish that that others could show the same regard. If your question isn't timed to coincide with the Pope's ill health then why not include those who 'worship' Dalai Lama? Your timing is way out and thoughtless. Zoe

Sorry Dave, didn't mean to butt in there!

What wonderful questions Chloe! The new pope is chosen by the cardinals who, I believe, are closeted in a room in the Vatican to pray and vote silently. I'm not sure of the exact procedure but I also know that while the 'choosing' is going on each day there is a fire burning at the Vatican and at the end of each day if the smoke is black a new pope has not been chosen and if the smoke is white a new pope has been chosen. Also, there is no obligation on the man chosen to accept. Apparently the chosen cardinal goes into a room where new shoes are available to him. If he emerges wearing the shoes he has accepted the papacy; if not nothing is said and the cardinals just carry on with the process of making their choice. It is believed that whomsoever the cardinals chose, it is 'God's will', though some years ago when a pope died after being in office for only 33 days there were some suggestions that this was God's way of saying that he was not happy!! It's many years since I was a practicing Catholic so I'm open to correction if I've got any of this wrong. :-)

But Dave, how do these clergymen/cardinals know which is the right man for the 'job'? Are they directed by God?

The Pope is chosen by a conclave of Cardinals who are the highest ranking clergymen in the catholic church after the Pope after a period of mourning for the late Pope. The event is signalled by a puff of smoke! Davex

Thanks Twinkle. Do you know how a pope is chosen? What defines someone so that they become a pope?

Chloe, there's nothing wrong with your question. A genuine attempt to understand another's point of view is neither inappropriate nor offensive. Catholics - I'm not one - don't 'worship' the Pope, just as they don't worship the Virgin Mary (they ask her to intercede on their behalf: even in death mothers still nag their sons!). Infallibility doesn't mean sinlessness and it only applies to the doctrines of the Church. In other words, it means that when the Pope makes a solemn pronouncement about faith or morals, he is guarded by the Holy Spirit (and years of theological study) against teaching error. So when a Pope declared the Immaculate Conception to be an infallible teaching, this is what Catholics must accept to be true. The Pope cannot say that drinking Pepsi or buying a holiday cottage in Spain is wrong, and call it an infallible teaching. The aim is to give him the final word on doctrinal disputres and preventthe Catholic Church from disintegrating into factions.

I don't think it's insensitive. It sad that he is dying. But it is not the death of Catholicism and he has led a great life. Why be sad? I didn't mean to say THE POPE, I meant ALL popes, not just John Paul II. It's stated in the opening thread. I'm not attacking Catholicism or John Paull II. If this is not a good time for debate, then when is there a good time? John Paul II has lead a great, meaningful and long life. Why be sad? Why mourn him like he was your best friend or your father? I find it difficult to understand. Plus the fact, he has not even passed away yet and people are talking like he is already gone.

I understand what is being said Chloe but maybe tonight is a bit unsensitive to ask why is the Pope so Holy? I think you only have to look round the world christians of all denominations also non christians around the world paying this great man his due respects,is that not testimony enough to the mans esteem? Dave

i dont understand the catholic faith as i brought up a methodist. although now i dont practice any religion. my eldest son however ,has converted to islam! he is bringing his 4 children up as muslims which i greatly respect. i have read parts of the koran and its almost identical to the bible. as you stated chloe,abraham is called ibrahim,which incidently is my grandsons name lol. in the koran,jesus is regarded as a very high prophet and is worshipped. i respect anyones religion and admire them for following a faith. susie

I am in total agreement with what She has said. Catholics do not worship the Pope , and whatever peoples' religion he has given a lot to the world. Iz x

Sheila - I'm not attacking John Paul II at all. It is sad that he is dying, very sad. However, people die everyday, young and old. It's a part of life.... I'm sure you understand that. I was asking questions about religion, about Catholicism...... there's probably never a good time. Whenever I say things, it's always the wrong time.

Dave - my feelings exactly - he is a good man - and I, like millions of others will pray that he has a peaceful death. And no - I am NOT catholic but my mother was and my children were brought up in that faith and I have the deepest respect for anyone of any religion who believes.

As I have said on other thread this man John Paul has done more for world peace than any political leader has,He more than anybody broke down the walls of the iron curtain he has done so much for his countrymen in Poland to drive out Communism and give his country back to the people.Of course not everybody will respect his views but can we deny that he is a man of the people and a true christian. Davex

sorry to butt in - but - no matter what our beliefs are can we not just let this man - who is highly respected by many of all faiths for humanity - just let him pass to his God in peace - and save any debates like this til AFTER the event. sorry - just a personal opinion -

I am an adoptee the product of a Roman Catholic Irish mother and a Jewish father boy am I confused! Now as a non practising Catholic may I say that I am saddened by the news.

Ah jess - I just always manage to strick my foot in it!! LOL. My debate with my mum really got me annoyed. She's so close-minded. I wish she wasn't. I'm not saying she can't believe what she believes, but have an open mind to other people's beliefs. Anyway..... Chris you married in 1884??? ;-) Until 1996, that's a long marriage!! tee hee.

Chloe of course you have not offended anybody you are perfectly entitled to your views thank you. Dx

Chloe, i wnated to ask a similar question, just didn't have the guts. Who ever he is , he's a human being and it seems his time on earth is coming to an end. I'd hope he will not be 'kept alive' for the sake of it, just because of who he is. jess

Thanks guys. I'm glad I didn't offend anyone.