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Franco Origlia / Getty Images
Pope Benedict XVI leads the Ash Wednesday service at St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday.
A capacity crowd in St Peter's Basilica gave Pope Benedict a thunderous standing ovation on Wednesday night at an emotional last public Mass before he stands down at the end of the month.
"Thank you. Now, let's return to prayer," the 85-year-old pontiff said, bringing an end to several minutes of applause that clearly moved him.
In an unusual gesture, bishops took off their distinctive hats in a sign of respect and a few of them wept.
Earlier Wednesday, the pope explained that he had reached his decision to resign after prayer led him to conclude it would be for the best for the Catholic Church.
"I have done this in full freedom for the good of the church, after much prayer and having examined my conscience before God," Benedict said at his weekly general audience speech, according to an English transcript from the Holy See press office at the Vatican.
On Monday, when he revealed the news publicly, Benedict, 85, said that the papacy required "strength of mind and body," and that his health had deteriorated.
Later, the Vatican revealed that the pope had a pacemaker installed 10 years ago.
In Wednesday's remarks ahead of the Mass, the pontiff said he felt uplifted by the outpouring of support that followed his surprising resignation announcement.
"Thank all of you for the love and for the prayers with which you have accompanied me," he told the packed general audience hall. "In these days, which have not been easy for me, I have felt almost physically the power of prayer -- your prayers."
Benedict also said he had made his decision "knowing full well the seriousness of this act, but also realizing that I am no longer able to carry out the Petrine ministry with the strength which it demands."
Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told Reuters that on the pope's last day in office, Feb. 28, Benedict would receive cardinals in a farewell meeting. Afterward, his ring of office, used to seal official documents, will be destroyed, as is traditionally done when a pope dies.
'A very quiet' role
The pope is to live in a four-story building attached to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery inside the Vatican, something that the church's senior communications adviser, Greg Burke, told The Associated Press was significant.
"It is something that he has wanted to do for a while," Burke said. "But I think it also suggests that his role is going to be a very quiet one, and that is important so you don't have a situation of ... two different popes at the same time, and one influencing the other. I think the obvious thing is when he says retirement, it really means retiring."
As for the soon-to-be ex-pope's new name, Burke told the AP that Benedict would most likely be referred to as "Bishop of Rome, emeritus" as opposed to "Pope Emeritus."
Other Vatican officials said it would probably be up to the next pope to decide Benedict's new title, and wouldn't exclude that he might still be called "Your Holiness" as a courtesy, much as retired presidents are often referred to as "President," the AP reported.
It is unclear if he will keep the name Benedict, which he took on becoming pope, or return to being Joseph Ratzinger again.
Javier Barbancho / AFP - Getty Images
Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Look back at his life from childhood through his papacy.
Immediately after his resignation, Benedict will spend some time at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, overlooking Lake Albano in the hills south of Rome, where he has spent his summer vacations reading and writing, the AP said.
Afterward, he will return to the building in the Vatican's grounds, which was built in 1992 on the site of a former residence for the its gardeners, the AP reported. The building, which was occupied by an order of nuns until October, has a garden, where the nuns would tend to the lemon and orange trees as well as the roses.
The pope's older brother, Georg Ratzinger, confirmed that Benedict has no intention of returning to live in his native Bavaria. "You don't transplant an old tree," Ratzinger said.
Ratzinger said Tuesday that, in addition to his health issues, Benedict had been troubled by episodes such as the "Vatileaks" scandal in which a butler leaked secret documents. He also brought up "the relationship to the Pius Brotherhood" as a problem that troubled the pope.
That organization, formally known as the Society of St. Pius X, fell into a harsh public spotlight in December when its leader, Bishop Bernard Fellay, said Jews were "the enemies of the church." His comment drew criticism from all corners of the church and from the public in general.
Ratzinger said he thought his brother had handled those problems well, but that they had taken their toll.
On Wednesday, the pope asked for continued support for him and the church.
"Continue to pray for me, for the church and for the future pope," he said. "The Lord will guide us."
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related:
Pope's abdication could thwart Silvio Berlusconi's political comeback
Vatican history of 'cover-ups and disarray' will challenge new pope
Why the buzz over St. Malachy's 'last pope' prophecy outdoes 2012 hype
This story was originally published on Wed Feb 13, 2013 9:07 AM EST
Leave a Comment:
AMEN.........TO THAT..
The Holy Father is retiring to PRAY & TAKE APOND HIS SHOULDERS the sins of his Preist Craft in the years past!
This will allow the Chruch to Refresh, Delete & Move on! Its time for a Change, the Holy Father Knows the changes that are coming. And is doing what Jesus the Christ would want him to.
"What we are saying its time for a Change"
Gerard on Songstall
What changes are coming?
He will have a pond on his shoulder? What?
Salem witch burnings - Christian
Waco Texas - Christian
Timothy McVeigh - Christian
Jones Town - Christian
KKK - Christian
Nazism - Christians
Adolph Hitler - Catholic
Serbians - Christian
IRA ( Irish Republican Army ) - Christian
Iron Guard - Christian
911 - Muslim
Irish Republican Army - Christian
Joseph Stalin - atheist. Evil men do evil things regardless of religion or lack thereof.
Oh yes, remind us again how many christians are sitting in prisons at this very moment.
Amazing how many people know exactly why the Pope decided to retire. I am a cradle Catholic and have been attending Mass almost all my life. Now at 71, I look back at all the changes good/bad and OK in our Church. We the people are the Church. When I was a young girl, it was a mystery to us all. Yet, we all sang the Mass in Latin and church was well attended. Today I went to 6:20am Mass for Ash Wednesday and the church was packed. In other words, the Church hierarchy has committed sins, we are disappointed, but we believe in our people, our Faith keeps us coming back. So, our Holy Father has decided to retire to allow a younger person take charge. This is so much better than what happened to John Paul II, when he could hardly talk or walk. Was someone else doing the talking for him. We will never know. With all the problems our Church has had over centuries, we are still here after over 2000 years. Now if only Cardinal Mahoney would follow the Popes example and retire and recuse himself from voting at the Conclave.
Yes, I agree. It is disgusting that a pedophile protector will have a chance at becoming pope.
Totally agree. Yours are the words of wisdom mixed with experience.
I would only add mahoney should be stripped of his position and "title" for his unworthy, criminal acts against his parishioners.
i hope one day you get accused of child abuse and a lynch mob comes after you shouting burn him, burn him.
holy crusades to cut off the head of any and all non believer wow you christains are so stupid lol its so funny to listen you talk about people like joyce meyers who is disgraceful scum.. not to mention Salem witch burnings - Christian
Waco Texas - Christian
Timothy McVeigh - Christian
Jones Town - Christian
KKK - Christian
Nazism - Christians
Adolph Hitler - Catholic
Serbians - Christian
IRA ( Irish Republican Army ) - Christian
Iron Guard - Christian
911 - Muslim
Irish Republican Army - Christian
the list of dumb gos on and on
but keep on buying the garbage
just because someone calls themselves christians does not make it so, btw nazis killed any priest they found or christian, and u got ira on ur list 2x
you get banned for incorent blabber
lmao sorry
The senate & congress should do as this Pope is, retire far earlier than what has become the norm in D.C., which is stay longer than one should stay due to age/ illness/injury.
Pope John Paul was not allowed to die in his own time, even after he stated clearly he was ready to be with his God.
Those around him kept interfering in his condition, which would have ended his life & suffering several times before he actually passed on.
Kudos to this Pope for acknowledging his age related limits & placing the good of the church ahead of himself! I'm sure his God would agree!
He is running for cover!
Why?
It is ashame when the Pope dies He will never make it to haven nor will any other Chtholic
How would you know? Only God knows.
Spoken like a true baptist.
Spoken like one who recently graduated from the third grade.
I remember years ago sitting in Catechism and listening to the instructor talk about the virtues of the Catholic Church. That any church besides the Catholic Church just wasn't truly recognized by God. Being an impressionable youth, I truly believed that that was true. It wasn't until my days in the military, when I befriended a military Catholic priest(Captain), that I realized how full of hypocracy it truly was. See this priest was leaving the priesthood as he finally realized the same thing. This was years before the 'family secrets" became widely known.
I believe that it is quite obvious why this pope is leaving as well. He's probably thinking "How can I lead a group of hypocrites and still look at myself in the mirror"? Those of us who left the Church were/are looked down upon by the blind flock of sheep still wandering aimlessly through its pastures of deceit, corruption and immorality. We are the ones now looking down on those who are still involved in this hypocritical house of "worship".
hossridr,
Look to your own soul. It is a full time job.
Hoss: In todays world it is literally impossible to find a church that follows and knows the truth that Christ expects from us. A good place to start is read the bible from beginning to end. There are many wonderful mysteries in the bible just waiting to be discovered. I have one that I will share with you here. A few years ago I made it a goal of mine to find out how many days Jesus walked the earth. I felt in my heart that it was in the bible. It took a good deal of intense study but the rewards were worth it. Turns out he lived exactly 14,700 (12) hour days and then died on the cross. Concieved on the winter solstice and dwelled in Mary for 7 days prior. The day of his birth was the 14th day of the 7th month which is the day before the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall. 10.5 days after the fall eqiunox. I know other things as well but I will leave it at that.
President Obama speaking in Ashville, NC on MSNBC right now. Channel 65 on Comcast, broadcasting speech.
That was all silliness last night. It was just another campaign speech.
Hey Mike40MD,i dont feel sorry for you or any other person who gets molested over the age of 13 or 14 years old.Its a bunch of BULLS...H..I.T.At that age i knew the difference,and knew that was wrong.So do my kids have the common sense to know that is wrong.And for the people who come out many years later,to say they are a victim of child molestation,are even more ignorent.To me,its a cop out,and looking for attention.Unless you are FORCED into it,you are looking to experiment,and do things for attention and to stand out in the crowd.I grew up i catholic schools throughout my life,and NEVER had a priest say,or do anything wrong like that.I will admit that a couple looked and spoke like they were gay,but we joke about it behind there backs,and would have NO problem,even at that age to go tell the priest to go F himself if they did.Thats one of the problems today,we are to soft as parents today,and dont come right out and say to are kids whats right and wrong.
I think that the real reason as to why he is resigning will never be known. There is a lot the catholic religion doesn't tell us. This being one of them. Pope John Paul was way sicker than he was and he still finished his term. Something is happening that will not be known. Wether it's good or bad. Who knows.......
joel,
How do you now that the Church is hiding a lot that we will never know? Just your "feelings"?
Pope Benedict resigned to avoid arrest, seizure of church wealth by Easter -
Diplomatic Note was issued to Vatican just prior to his resignation
New Pope and Catholic clergy face indictment and arrest as “Easter Reclamation” plan continues
A Global Media Release and Statement from The International Tribunal into Crimes of Church and State (ITCCS)
Brussels:
The historically unprecedented resignation of Joseph Ratzinger as Pope this week was compelled by an upcoming action by a European government to issue an arrest warrant against Ratzinger and a public lien against Vatican property and assets by Easter.
The ITCCS Central Office in Brussels is compelled by Pope Benedict’s sudden abdication to disclose the following details:
1. On Friday, February 1, 2013, on the basis of evidence supplied by our affiliated Common Law Court of Justice (itccs.org), our Office concluded an agreement with representatives of a European nation and its courts to secure an arrest warrant against Joseph Ratzinger, aka Pope Benedict, for crimes against humanity and ordering a criminal conspiracy.
2. This arrest warrant was to be delivered to the office of the “Holy See” in Rome on Friday, February 15, 2013. It allowed the nation in question to detain Ratzinger as a suspect in a crime if he entered its sovereign territory.
3. A diplomatic note was issued by the said nation’s government to the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, on Monday, February 4, 2013, informing Bertone of the impending arrest warrant and inviting his office to comply. No reply to this note was received from Cardinal Bertone or his office; but six days later, Pope Benedict resigned.
4. The agreement between our Tribunal and the said nation included a second provision to issue a commercial lien through that nation’s courts against the property and wealth of the Roman Catholic churchcommencing on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. This lien was to be accompanied by a public and global “Easter Reclamation Campaign” whereby Catholic church property was to be occupied and claimed by citizens as public assets forfeited under international law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
5. It is the decision of our Tribunal and the said nation’s government to proceed with the arrest of Joseph Ratzinger upon his vacating the office of the Roman Pontiff on a charge of crimes against humanity and criminal conspiracy.
6. It is our further decision to proceed as well with the indictment and arrest of Joseph Ratzinger’s successor as Pope on the same charges; and to enforce the commercial lien and “Easter Reclamation Campaign” against the Roman Catholic church, as planned.
In closing, our Tribunal acknowledges that Pope Benedict’s complicity in criminal activities of the Vatican Bank (IOR) was compelling his eventual dismissal by the highest officials of the Vatican. But according to our sources, Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone forced Joseph Ratzinger’s resignation immediately, and in direct response to the diplomatic note concerning the arrest warrant that was issued to him by the said nation’s government on February 4, 2013.
We call upon all citizens and governments to assist our efforts to legally and directly disestablish the Vatican, Inc. and arrest its chief officers and clergy who are complicit in crimes against humanity and the ongoing criminal conspiracy to aid and protect child torture and trafficking.
Further bulletins on the events of the Easter Reclamation Campaign will be issued by our Office this week.
Issued 13 February, 2013
12:00 am GMT
by the Brussels Central Office,
Oh yes, another nutjob, self appointed vigilante group is going to go after the Pope and disband the Catholic Church according to their beliefs.
How would his resigning avoid arrest?
Anyone want to take bets on how successful this will be?
I have a bridge they can buy, if they don't obtain the Vatican.
So not cool!!!! Most other Popes have completed the job until death - that's the purpose of the job! JPII, dispite his illness, continued until death. Keep working you chicken!!! Age had NOTHING to do with it!! Follow in the footsetps of the GREATEST POPES EVER - JPII!!!!!
The Pope makes the rules, not you. Popes have resigned before. Where is the rule that they MUST stay until death? Custom is one thing, requirement is quite another.
He is a very honorable man and...it is his decision.
its funny how its ok to give up on motherhood after you had sex and kill a baby but not ok for a pope to resign
Apples, that is uncalled for and inflammatory. You've now exposed yourself for the troll you are.
the only trolls are those who aid people in abortions for the sake of money, at the very least they should try to talk them out of it before they procede but quite the opposite they are like car salesmen that wont let them leave till they get the sale,. truth hurts sometimes
" Good for the Church translation: "let me get out of the way before all my crimes of covering up for molesters gets traction. "
Proof?
I am a Christian. Not a Catholic.. It's disgraceful what's happened in the Catholic Church. The molestations and then the cover ups. There wouldn't have been more molestations, if the Bishops (especially Mahoney)and Cardinals turned in the molesters to the police. Instead they kept it hush hush, and moved them from one parish to another, so they molest more innocent children. I think Mahoney should go to jail too. Hopefully the next Pope will allow Catholic priests to get married.
Catholics are the original Christians. All practicing Catholics are Christians but not all Christians are Catholics.
Some in the Church did wrong, agreed, and need to be punished. Do you think that the entire Catholic Church membership approved of this?
Did you know that pedophilia is more or a problem with the many Protestant groups than with Catholics. http://www.nolanchart.com/article6740-pedophilia-only-a-catholic-sin.html It is a problem wherever organizations are involved with kids and it is a great evil.
How would allowing priests to get married stop pedophilia?
What you do not like about Catholicism is what you THINK that you know, but you are incorrect.
better close down all the schools then keep your kids at home, there are more child molesters in public schools than the church. whats marriage got to do with it???? priests dont become pedophiles... pedophiles use the priesthood to get access to our kids. they have virtus training now in catholic churches so we can recognize these ppl before they can get to our kids but we need betting screening for candidates to the priesthood
http://www.themediareport.com/fast-facts/
good link there heres another, its a shame all these bashers cant post one single link to back thier claims
apples,
You are right, that is a GREAT link! Thanks!
Funny how your "source" is from a christian outlet. Can you find a source that isn't biased?
NC and Apples
You seem to avoid the real issue. The cover up of the abuse... the decisions at very high levels to protect the church instead of the children are the real issues. The individuals and the organization itself should be held responsible. The church continues to avoid transparency regarding who knew and at what level decisions were made in a continued effort the protect the church. Individuals and the church itself appear to have acted shamefully and both should be held accountable.
goodness,
Can YOU find and unbiased source?
What is wrong with the facts presented in the link from apples and oranges? Any substantive rebuttal from an unbiased source?
11Madness,
You are incorrect. If this was 2005, I could agree with you. It is not; this is now.
The Church does not continue to hide people and it sure was not the whole Church to begin with. There are many programs and agencies in place now to diminish this kind of abomination.
If you look at the link that apples and oranges shows, you would see quite a few facts conveniently hidden by the MSM until more recently. Notable is that most of this abuse occurred in a short period of time. Take a look at the link.
People do sin, yes indeed. And when people do not repent and change their ways, then punishment is all the more deserved. Every sin can be forgiven by God if repentance is sincere.
11madness,
This is how the illogic goes: a bishop can commit another crime tomorrow, but if two days pass, the evil act will be in the past. Ipso facto, not relevant anymore!
If this is the average Catholic-mindset posting, and it seems like it is, we should have more pity upon them than I previously envisioned.
This is terribly sad. StockHolm syndrome captives. And I haven't even touched on the Dunning Krueger effect.
LET THE MAN WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE !
and did they ???
NO
I do not understand the point of your post.
Yes, growning up in the 50's we were taught that the Roman Catholic Church was the only true religion, but since Vatican II, all that has changed. I remember watching on 60Minutes years ago, when at a Southern Baptist Convention, it was said that all Catholics would go to hell. Some Baptists still think that. We are a very inclusive Church to. When someone walks into our Church, we do not ask them to leave their beliefs at the front door. All are welcome!! We are much richer Church today because of our inclusiveness. I believe that all good people who follow the golden rule. Mind you, I did not say only Christians. We live in an Ecumenical world, where all faiths blend into another. We can learn from one another. Treat your neighbor the way you want to be treated.
Meant to say "I believe that all good people who follow the golden rule, will get to heaven"....
ultimately its up to God who he lets in, no one on earth can say some one will go to hell because His mercy is endless, we cant say "we followed you all our lives how come you let this mass murderer in at the last second?" its his house
Will the old pope remain infallible? Or will just the new pope be infallible? If the both are the vicar of Christ and infallible then what if they disagree?
The Pope is not infallible except in cases of faith and morals AND ONLY if it is an "ex cathedra" statement. There has not been one since the 1800s.
Only the reigning Pope can make such a statement.
I was wondering that as well. I'm not Catholic, but from what I understand, the Pope speaks for God and is infallible. So, is he still perfect? Is God cutting him off?
Related to the child abuse that has taken place, the issue is not that abuse happened within the church. Abuse happens in many places and in many institutions... in schools, athletic settings, etc. There are two reasons that the Catholic church is so heavily criticized. The first is that apparently decisions were made at the executive level of the church to protect the church instead of protecting the children. The second issue is that the church should be held to a very high moral standard....it failed in that regard........Truly pathetic. The Catholic church functioned more as a business or political entity than it did as a church. It turned its back on abused children and there has been very little accountability. Shame.
Nah, the Church has had programs now for several years to stop the abuse and the law breaking. You are too behind in the times.
The vast majority of priests and hierarchy are still very good and decent men.
Hey NC: And what about the very good and decent men who aren't Catholic or religious in any manner?How the hell did they get that way without giving their souls to a deity?
I know if they start pestering me to fill in, unless I get a personal invite from Himself, I'm retired and staying that way. Pax Vobisucum, your Holiness, only you know.
I was totally unprepared for the serene silence as the end of Mass. St. Peter's is usually a wall of sound, even at the most significantly religious moments. Today, contemplative tranquility.
Orange Dolphin,
I watched the Ash Wednesday mass on EWTN today. It was quite impressive. I love Gregorian chant. It always puts me in a contemplative mood. The headline said there was a standing ovation, but it must have been when the mass was over. I had to leave before the end so I didn't see it.
I know our news media are idiots but they are also at least 24 hours behind on what the Pope will be called etc. The Vatican said it all at this time yesterday. His Holiness Benedict XVI Bishop Emeritus of Rome. I didn't see that part either because I went to the English Mass at my church at noon. As far as too pooped to be Pope he hardly has the strength to swing the censor for incensing the altar. Vicky go take a long walk off a short pier we don't care what you think.
lonereb,
"I didn't see that part either because I went to the English Mass at my church at noon. As far as too pooped to be Pope he hardly has the strength to swing the censor for incensing the altar."
Yes, I noticed that, too. He appeared to be really struggling with that censor. He is obviously very tired. As far as the mass not being in English, though, I found it an interesting exercise trying to pick out which parts were in Latin and which were in Italian. I know just enough of both languages to recognize the difference, but it can be tricky at times because Italian is really nothing but modern Latin anyway.
Too pooped to pope? BS! The Catholic Taliban is being exposed for what they really are and this guy doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to face it.
vicky,
Proof please. Or are you.....lying? Surely not.
NC 492358...Mea Culpa, Catholic priest case in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The pope almighty was in charge of investigating sex scandals. There's your proof.
I am NOT Catholic therefore I have no reason to lie, unlike many Catholic priests who do.
I didn't realize the Pope could quit. I thought the Pope was chosen by God. So, did God make a mistake? I know it has happened in the past, but this is weird. Does he get a gold watch and retirement package?
jac666,
"So, did God make a mistake?"
No. God did not make a mistake. He realizes that people get old and tired, though. Remember what he said to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? "Dust you are, and to dust you shall return." The the point of Ash Wednesday (which is today) is to remind us of that fact in case we forget. We're all mortal and dying.
Yes he did make a mistake! I haven't won the lottery yet!
"Does he get a gold watch and retirement package?"
Yup, and this one gets a few altar boys thrown in too.
He gets a room in a monastery and his ring smashed with a hammer. Grow up Leroy
I can't, I just can't, sorry, you'll just have to love me the way I am!
Celebrating ash Wednesday. It should be called Ass Wednesday. Can anyone show me a biblical verse to support this abomination
Why would they smash his ring? Also, with the altar boys, he gets a Hitler outfit to dress up in.