Bennie resigns

[Kendhni]

His pope-iness has decided to resign ... just right too, given youth unemployment, it is time that some of those old fogies made way for the next generation.

I don't think he has exactly shone .. he has totally failed to get to grips with the institutionalised physical and mental abuse carried out by his staff over the years ... or removed antiquated doctrine that contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths every day. They need to bring the position into the 21st century.

[david63]

They need to bring the position into the 21st century.

But I doubt that they will

[Boris+]

I did receive an electronic communication yesterday, providing me with details of a couple of contenders for the newly vacant papal position - the top runners on this list were Father Jack and Father Dougall McGuire (spelling?).

Unfortunately the communication was accompanied by suitable images - enough said!

Em

[Meg 50]

here's the runners and riders..


some look better than others and one or 2 look even half way possible ( which probably means they haven't a flea's hope in hell of being appointed)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21415639

[Boris+]

I know that for many people this is a serious matter - but I have just had a highly entertaining breakfast, during which this topic came up. A vision was described of Father Jack being elected pope, and then going to address the crowds from the balcony only to be faced with nuns - and you can easily imagine the chaos which followed.

Maybe we could have a follow-on series of Father Ted even?

Ah, go on , go on, go on!

Em

[kaymar]

Well, there's certainly the opportunity for some political correctness among those candidates. My money is on Herr Schoenborn, he looks like a nice chap and 1945 was a very good year. Is anyone running a book?

[Kendhni]

Maybe he is only giving up his title for lent?

[poole boy]

surely as tony Blair puts his self forward for any top position in the world he would be an obvious choice the only problem being could the Catholics pay him enough to keep him and the wicked witch happy

[Romig1]

surely as tony Blair puts his self forward for any top position in the world he would be an obvious choice the only problem being could the Catholics pay him enough to keep him and the wicked witch happy

Poole Boy. I heard that Tone is waiting for the TOP job to become available....GOD!

[qbman1]

Poole Boy. I heard that Tone is waiting for the TOP job to become available....GOD!

Sorry, I thought THE Top Job was Chairman of Crystal Palace. See - I do listen to PTE !

[Onelife]

I don’t care which colour smoke comes out of the chimney; grey, black, or pink with red spots ...let’s face it most of them are a load of hypocrites.

They hide all their sins behind a clock of secrecy...then ask for forgiveness by trotting off to a box and spouting the words “Father I have sinned”

To his credit Pope Benedict did have the balls to speak his mind about Islam...not sure if this was because he considered “radical” Islam a threat to Catholicism or mankind as a whole...if it was the latter he should be applauded.

Regards

OL

[qbman1]

Well, that's demolished most of the world's major religions in one go OL ! Don't suppose you fancy a pop at the Dali Lama and the new Archbishop of C whilst you are at it !!

[Mo2013]

I don’t care which colour smoke comes out of the chimney; grey, black, or pink with red spots ...let’s face it most of them are a load of hypocrites.

They hide all their sins behind a clock of secrecy...then ask for forgiveness by trotting off to a box and spouting the words “Father I have sinned”

To his credit Pope Benedict did have the balls to speak his mind about Islam...not sure if this was because he considered “radical” Islam a threat to Catholicism or mankind as a whole...if it was the latter he should be applauded.

Regards

OL

As an atheist, or agnostic - depending on how I feel, I have to say from personal experience every single religious person I have ever come across in my life has been a hypocrite - that is, they do not practise what they preach. It is not good enough to do what you want and then run off to pray for forgiveness - but then again I've been told that their only judge is God ! So as long as God forgives them, the rest of us don't count for anything! I don't care who is Pope but I do care that religion appears to be at the root cause of a lot of world problems. I really hope there is a God because come judgement day, there are a lot of people who are going to be very scared !

[JohnTheDog]

All of it is medieval mumbo jumbo as far as I am concerned.

[Boris+]

I have been puzzled by something for a very long time - when I was much younger I was on holiday in Venice. We went into the main cathedral and were able to climb up inside a huge pillar and walk along high up inbetween the pillars and look down on the splendid building. At one point we could see down into a confessional box (it had no ceiling on it), and there was the priest fast asleep - with two people confessing (one on either side). Now then, apart from the fact that each person put money into a collection box on each side of the confessional box and also apart from the fact that the people confessing had got something 'off their chests', what on earth was the point of that?

Em

[Onelife]

Hi Em

“Priest fast asleep”

In religious terms it’s what’s known as turning a blind eye

Regards

Keith

[Dark Knight]

And you all pay a fortune to trot off to look at religious sites on your cruises
Rome
Venice
Petra
Egypt
Jerusalem
etc etc
now who's the hypocrite

[Meg 50]

I have been puzzled by something for a very long time - when I was much younger I was on holiday in Venice. We went into the main cathedral and were able to climb up inside a huge pillar and walk along high up inbetween the pillars and look down on the splendid building. At one point we could see down into a confessional box (it had no ceiling on it), and there was the priest fast asleep - with two people confessing (one on either side). Now then, apart from the fact that each person put money into a collection box on each side of the confessional box and also apart from the fact that the people confessing had got something 'off their chests', what on earth was the point of that?

Em

how do you know he was asleep - he might have closed his eyes in order better to concentrate.......

[Boris+]

Hi DK,

This sounds a bit like pantomime - but go into religious places when I'm on a cruise ...... oh no I don't!!!

Not in a million years! Niet, no way.

Em

[Mo2013]

I visited a beautiful church on Gozo one and admired its architecture. I just don't like the idea of people doing/saying what they like, then trotting off to confession, being absolved, and then carrying on as before. How can that be right?

[Onelife]

Hi Darknightie

For the same reason I’ve visited

Rome

Monte Carlo

Barcelona

Wales

Korcula

etc etc

All of which have archaeological, historic, scenic or gambling interests.... Oh! Yes they do!!!

Regards

Keefy

[Delboy]

I am not a Catholic, but respect those for whom it forms the basis of their religious life.

For me it's not the religion that is often at the root cause of the worlds evils, but "people" often in the name of religion, not necessary the religion it's self.

I find the papal history and the Medici family interesting.

When I have visited places like Rome, Florence, Egypt, Jerusalem & Bethlehem, whilst I have marvelled at the Churches, buildings and ruins, it is the history, including the religious history behind these places , that is brought to life for me.

[Dark Knight]

just to clarify
I am not in any way a religous poerson but when people deride religion, I do wonder why they visit religious sites?
assuming they "practise whay they preach" they would avoid these places as it goes against their beliefs


funny old world init

[Mo2013]

Although I am not religious, during my visits to a church I can appreciate the architecture and beautiful artifacts for what they are, oh and the fact that it was part of an excursion. Hope that clarifies.

[suespud]

I am a non practising Catholic, as I dont go to Mass and I am not active in any parish.
I do have faith.

I seek out churches where ever I am.Holiday,home, weekends away.
I find great comfort sitting quietly in any church.
In fact when staying in Windsor, I go most mornings to the church just across from the hotel and say a prayer and light a few candles.
Iv not been in a confessional since I was a teenager, lots of churches dont use them now.
If I feel the need to confess it is done through prayer.