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Subscribe to RSSIn a dramatic exit from the Vatican, Pope Benedict flew off to the papal retreat Castel Gandolfo. Tourists gathered in St. Peter's Square to watch the momentous occasion. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.
To a chorus of bells and a ripple of applause from his closest advisers, Pope Benedict XVI departed the Vatican for the last time as pontiff Thursday.
He emerged from the Apostolic Palace and was saluted by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican secretary of state, and other senior staff members in the St. Damaso Courtyard before being driven to his helicopter for the journey to his lavish temporary residence.
A crowd of well-wishers was waiting to greet him from the piazza when he arrived by helicopter at his temporary residence at Castel Gandolfo, which is about 20 miles south-east of Rome.
They chanted his name in Italian and cheered wildly as he appeared from the balcony of the building. Some were moved to tears.
"Thank you for your friendship," he said. "I am just a pilgrim."
To coincide with his 5 p.m. local time (11 a.m ET) departure, a final message was posted to the pontiff's official Twitter account.
"Thank you for your love and support," it said. "May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives."
Although the pope has a helicopter pilot’s licence, the chopper was flown by an Italian air force pilot, as is customary.
Thousands of faithful pack the medieval square outside Castel Gandolfo in Lazio, Italy, to greet Pope Benedict XVI and thank him for his papacy as he settles into his new surroundings.
Due to join the pontiff on the 15-minute flight were his personal secretaries Archbishop Georg Ganswein and Monsignor Alfred Xuereb, along with Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, the deputy prefect of the papal household, Professor Patrizio Polisca who is the pope's personal physician, and Sandro Mariotti, the pope's butler.
It was a quiet departure, characteristic of his shy demeanor, giving little hint of the historical significance of the event — the first of its kind for almost six centuries.
Earlier, he said a muted goodbye to his cardinals and closest advisers.
"I will continue to be close to you," he told them in the Vatican's 16th century Sala Clementina, before exchanging individual, private greetings.
"The future pope is among you," the pontiff added, pledging his "unconditional reverence and obedience" to his successor.
He also expressed a desire for the church to work like an orchestra where diverse elements came together in harmony — yet another reference to his frustration over infighting at the top of the church.
As the final day of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy comes to a close, focus turns to the cardinals entrusted to elect the next leader of the church. NBC's Anne Thompson reports on the upcoming conclave and the centuries-old tradition of a secret vote.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, was among 11 cardinals from the United States bidding him farewell on his final day as pontiff.
"It was kind of somber for me," Dolan told TODAY. "To see this gentle, learned, loving holy man, to see him very fragile, to see him having made what I consider to be a remarkably humble and courageous decision, it was very moving, it was a very tender moment."
"I was honored that he remembered my name — it’s always good when the boss knows your name," he added.
When the doors of Castel Gandolfo closed shorlty after 8 p.m. local time Friday (2 p.m. ET) it marked the end of his papacy — a resignation instead of a death. The distinctive Swiss Guards in attendance went off duty.
The pontiff, who will now be known as pope emeritus, will remain at the papal summer residence for two months until his permanent home in a monastery within the Vatican is refurbished.
'A caring pastor'
NBC News Vatican expert George Weigel said Benedict would be remembered as "the greatest papal preacher since Gregory the Great in the 6th century" and "a caring pastor."
Almost eight years after the death of John Paul II, it's clear Catholics still feel a special affection for the man often called "the people's pope," who was renowned for his compassion and support of human rights. NBC's Savannah Guthrie reports.
Father John Bartunek, a priest and author who works in Rome, added: "One of the characteristics that has struck us is personal humility and sincerity. He has a certain sweetness and openness and he’s always present, always willing to listen and that will also be part of his legacy."
"A lot of the repercussions of his decisions won’t be seen right away," he said.
Thursday's goodbyes were in stark contrast to Wednesday's public event, where a crowd of more than 100,000 cheered, applauded and waved banners of support as he delivered his final audience at a packed St. Peter's Square.
He assured pilgrims and well-wishers that he was not "coming down from the cross" despite renouncing his office, saying his decision was taken "in full awareness of its gravity and rarity but also with profound serenity of spirit."
An introverted theologian, Benedict is credited with pushing the "new evangelization" and repairing rifts with Jews, but faulted for not taking stronger action as a sex-abuse scandal tarnished the church's reputation and for letting the Vatican bureaucracy run amok.
Vatican watchers say there is no clear front-runner to replace him and Benedict's legacy will loom large as they look to the future.
A Vatican spokesman told the Catholic News Service that the college will probably not meet over the weekend but could gather the following Monday for informal talks to set a date for the conclave and begin talking about priorities for 266th pope.
Gabriel Bouys / AFP - Getty Images
The pope delivers his final audience in St. Peter's Square as he prepares to stand down.
Under church law, the conclave couldn’t start until March 15, but an amendment this week will allow the cardinals to push up the date as along as all 115 electors are in place. There were supposed to be 117, but one is too sick to attend and another recused himself after being accused of inappropriate behavior with priests.
And the Vatican guesthouse, where the cardinals will stay during the conclave, must be swept for listening devices before they can move in.
The length of the conclave — with its four secret ballots a day, cast in the Sistine Chapel — is anyone's guess; it took two days to elect Benedict and three to choose his predecessor, John Paul II.
Dolan, who will be in the conclave, said: "There’s a mixed feeling. You hear cardinals say there is a sense of wanting a new pope as soon as possible, and for that to happen in the most prudent way you need some time for reflection and prayer to get to know each other. But the first item on the agenda at the general congregations next week will be 'When well we begin the conclave?'"
Meanwhile, the Vatican announced on Thursday that a 92-year-old French cardinal, Jean Honoré, died on Wednesday. Because of his age, he was not among the 117 cardinals eligible to take part in the conclave.
NBC News' Tracy Connor contributed to this report.
Related:
Inside Castel Gandolfo, Pope Benedict's spectacular temporary retirement home
'Amateur hour': Vatican conclave drama is one for the history books, experts say
Inside the Vatican: The $8 billion global institution where nuns answer the phones
This story was originally published on Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:57 AM EST
Leave a Comment:
I pray that you ( the pope ) will tell the world the truth about the flawed inside investigation into the church's still on going sex abuse.
BETTER YET LET THE POLICE INVESTIGATE or SOME INDEPENDENT BODY!!!!!
COME CLEAN!!!!!
You owe it to the world!!!! SPEAK TO YOUR PEOPLE!!!! COME OUT OF THE VATICAN CLOSET!!!
JESUS would tell us THE TRUTH.... JESUS doesn't hide anything from us..... DO IT FOR YOUR SELF !!!
DON"T HIDE BEHIND THE VATICAN CURTAIN!!!
When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.
Your hands are full of blood!
In response to over 600 pedophile priests being outed:
"The Lord must have been sleeping." Right. Pinnacle of Evil.
Not to me or my children, Ratzinger. Good riddance.
That's one scary looking old man.
You're more likely to be raped by your own father.
600 Pedophiles being outed?
Go to Bishopsaccountability org. Look at the Database for Priests Accused in the US.
This is just for the United States, the grand total is 3,763 priests, nuns/brothers/seminarians/fathers from orders, credibly accused. Quite a few of them in the database have convicted after their names. Quite a few have sued or settled after their names. FEW have cleared by their names. Many who were not convicted could not be so because of the statue of limitations, which the RCC fights at every turn when a state legislature decides it should end one year statue of limitations against child sex abuse.
Read the stories on Bishops Accountability, the newspaper articles, the police reports.
Then go to Abuse Tracker and tell us this problem is solved and no more child rapes will happen to children of the church.
I am a survivor of priest rape and torture. Yes it was in fact torture. I refuse to remain silent any longer.
Any time I see someone praising these scum, giving them cheers and offering them peace and love will hear from me.
This is just those with the surname of A on the Database who were convicted. Oh there are 95 names on the surname A list.
Priest Joseph A Abruzzese Convicted Providence, RI: Placed on leave in 11/93. Pleaded no contest in 1994 to second-degree sexual assault for grabbing and fondling a 16 yr old boy in a local park. Sentenced to 5 yrs probation and counseling. Shown as Absent on Leave per 1995 – 2002 Official Catholic Directories. He is not listed after 2002. Current status unknown.
Priest Arturo Ahumada Convicted Los Angeles, CA: Deacon. Pleaded no contest in 3/02 of providing pornographic material to 2 boys and misdemeanor sexual battery on one of them between 1999-2000 at Epiphany Church in South El Monte. Taken into custody 5/02 pending sentencing Sentenced 6/02 to 1 ys in county jail, a 44-month suspended state prison term, 5 yrs felony probation, and required to register as sex offender
Priest Robert Allgaier Convicted Omaha, NE: Archbishop knew of allegation of child pornography in 2001 but reassigned him to middle school after evaluation. Only removed in 2002 just prior to charges being filed. Pleaded guilty to attempted possession of child pornography for using computers to view internet photos of children involved in sex acts. Sentenced to 2 years probation. Finally left priesthood in 2005. On sex offender registry.
Priest Jose Alonso (Alonzo) Convicted Paterson, NJ: Convicted 1988 and received 5-year sentence for sexual abuse of 2 boys. Died 2002 shortly after release from prison. Named in at least 3 civil suits. At least 2 claims included in settlement with diocese in 2005. One article spells last name Alonzo.
Priest Andrew Christian Andersen Convicted Orange, CA: Convicted 1986 of 26 counts of felony molestation of 4 boys. Sentenced to 5 yrs probation after treatment at Servants of Paracletes. Continued to molest boys while in therapy. Arrested in New Mexico in 1990 for abuse of another youth. Sentenced to 6 yrs prison for violating Calif. probation. Laicized in mid-1990s. Current whereabouts unknown. Prior to 2005 there were $4.62M in settlements regarding Andersen.
Priest John Wesley Andries Convicted Alexandria, LA: Accused of sexual contact with 16 yr old boy at the home of boy’s family in 4/01. Pleaded innocent 5/02. Was suspended from priesthood after sexual misconduct allegation (fondling) earlier in his career in 1998. Pleaded guilty 5/03 to charge of sexual battery in plea bargain. Sentenced to 5 years in prison with all but two years suspended. Suit filed 1/03 is still open 3/10. On sex offender registry as of 6/10.
Priest James L. Arimond Convicted Milwaukee, WI: Placed on leave 1/90 when allegations of abuse of boy in 1988 surfaced; privileges suspended 7/90 when charges filed. Pleaded no contest 7/90. In 10/90 Arimond was sentenced to 18 mo. probation and 45 days in House of Corrections under work-release program. Laicized. In 1995 he began working as state-licensed professional counselor until State ordered him to surrender his license 7/03
Priest Edward V. Avery Convicted Philadelphia, PA: Accused of abuse of 16 yr old boy in 1978. Denied abuse; said he didn’t know of allegations until 1992. Removed in 1993; reassigned as hospital chaplain. Placed on leave again in 2003. Laicization announced 3/06. Named in new Grand Jury rpt. on 2/10/11. Accused, along with another priest and a teacher, of abuse of 10 yr old boy in 1998 at St. Jerome. Admitted guilt 3/22/12 just before trial. Sentenced to 2 1/2 to 5 yrs prison, New suits filed 7/11 & 9/12. Recanted confession 1/13.
Priest Daniel M. Azzarone, Jr. Convicted Providence, RI: Complaints received as early as 1985, 1992 and 1998-1999. Only placed on leave 11/01 after he was accused of abusing a 15 yr old boy on Caribbean cruise in 11/00. Abuse continued until 2001, often in rectory. Another youth also accused him of abuse. Pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sexual assault 9/05 and sentenced to 3 yrs prison & 7 yrs probation. Named in 2005 civil suit which settled 8/08 as part of $1.326M settlement by Providence Diocese. Laicization as of 6/12/09 announced 2/10.
Franciscan Priest Thomas Kieran Ahearn Convicted Bridgeport, CT: Ahearn arrested 1/93 and charged with molesting 14 yr old youth he picked up while on a skiing vacation. Found guilty of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and sentenced to 2 yrs probation. Youth also filed a civil suit in 1995. Personnel file produced to Court in 1999. Ahearn died 12/97.
Missionaries of the Holy Family Priest Russell Gerald Appleby Convicted St. Petersburg, FL: Also known as Gerald Russell Appleby. In 1994 young man accused Appleby of molestation over 2 year period. Suit filed in 1996; later dropped. Appleby left St. Petersburg in 1979; diocese admits no knowledge of complaints until 1994. Order paid the accuser $4,800 for therapy in 1995. Removed by Order in 1990 or 1991; laicized in 1995. Arrested in Texas on FL abuse charges 3/03. Pleaded guilty 2004; sentenced to 12 yrs prison & 20 yrs sex offender probation. Died in prison 2005 per State of FL website.
Benedict is Pope;
He brings Hope.
how about providing the name of the priest who molested you, im sure there are ppl out there who would like to know
Surname B convicted Priests etc There are 339 names on this list. I am posting some of the convicted names. I cannot post them all lol. You will find all of this confirmed on Bishops Accountability.
Priest Matthew Bagert Convicted Dallas, TX: Arrested 2005 on charges of possessing child porn on his computer. Trial set for 6/06. Charges dismissed just prior to trial after judge said evidence of the porn was obtained illegally by a Deacon and another priest. Case was referred to Feds for prosecution. He left priesthood and married. In 11/08 Bagert pleaded not guilty to federal indictment of child porn. In 4/09 he changed plea to guilty. On 12/1/09 he was sentenced to 4 yrs 3 mo. in prison.
Priest Bruce E. Ball Convicted La Crosse, WI: 1993 plea of no contest to charge of sexual contact w/ 12 yr old boy during therapy session. Total of 4 known victims. Sentenced to 5 yrs prison; released 3/96. On parole thru 12/97. Laicized at his own request as of 8/11/97. Settlement of $100K in 1993(?). In 1993 La Crosse diocese told Baltimore of 2 claims against Ball during the time he was a seminarian for La Crosse in Baltimore in mid 1970s. Died 2003.
Priest Carmelo Melchior “”Mel”" Baltazar Convicted Boise, ID: An extern priest from the Philippines, Baltazar has a history of abuse of boys over a 20 year period while serving Diocese of Cleveland, Diocese of Philippines, US Navy, Diocese of Boise, Idaho, and Diocese of San Diego. Named in several civil suits. Convicted 1984 & sentenced to 7 yrs. Released to treatment after 3 yrs. 2003 civil suit in San Diego said that plaintiff lived with Baltazar and traveled with him for 5 years during military assignments. Always introduced as his nephew. Deceased.
Priest John M. Banko Convicted Metuchen, NJ: Removed from ministry 2000. Convicted 2002 on charges of molesting 11 yr old boy in 1993. Received a 15-year sentence. Included in 1/03 settlement re abuse by 5 priests. 9 other alleged victims have also come forward. Additional criminal charges filed9/06 alleging abuse of 1 victim in 1994-1995. Pleaded not guilty 11/06. Trial started 5/08 and he was convicted again as of 5/13/08. Sentenced 9/08 to add’l 18 years. In prison 6/10. Still a priest, but inactive.
Priest Michael Lowell Barnes Convicted Baltimore, MD: 6/09 suit against Baltimore AD filed in DE alleged Barnes molested a boy 1977-1982 while at St. Clare School in Essex. Baltimore contacted plaintiff in 2002 after a review of files; he denied abuse. He contacted them in 2003 but refused counseling/ mediation. Left priesthood in 1988 but began working for Wash. DC as lay member. Civil case dismissed 4/10 by DE Judge. Arrested in NC 10/09 on charges he abused the same man. Extradited to MD 2/10. Pled no contest 6/10. 6 mo in jail. Laicization sought.
Priest John Bauer Convicted Los Angeles, CA: Worked as priest in MT. Left active priesthood in 1970. Opened sex shop/adult book store in Bozeman, MT in 1981. Referred to as “Priest of Porn.” On the run for 8 months after drug-related arrest in 1988.Sold store prior to his 12/89 arrest. Pled no contest in 1990 in Los Angeles to charges of making child porn videos and films in Mexico and California. Sentenced to 8 yrs prison. Died of a heart attack in federal prison in 1992. Believe he was removed from priesthood after he opened the book store.
Priest Juan Bazalar Convicted New York, NY: Peruvian. Indicted 1991 for sexually abusing a 15-year-old altar boy at St. Peter’s Church in Monticello. He fled to Canada. Extradited and then convicted in 1993. Sentenced to 5-15 years in state prison. Conviction overturned. Found not guilty at 2nd trial. Returned to Peru.
Priest Shamaun Beas Convicted Grand Rapids, MI: Beas, an extern priest from Pakistan, was arrested 5/04 in an Internet sting and charged with soliciting sex over the Internet from someone he believed to be a 14 yr old girl. Had previously exhibited “questionable behavior” and sent for therapy. Sentenced to 5 to 20 years 3/06 Later sentenced to 1 yr for abuse of 1 girl. Withdrew guilty plea to add’l charges in another county 7/08. Girl’s sister also alleges abuse. Sentenced to another 16-24 mo. 10/08 for abuse of both sisters.
Priest James A. Beine Convicted St. Louis, MO: Civil suit filed 1994 alleged abuse of 2 boys beginning in 1967. 7 other suits filed. Left priesthood in 1977. 2 claims settled for $110K. Beine was working as school counselor as of 2002. Convicted 2003 on fed. charge of possession of child porn (later overturned). Also convicted 2003 of exposing himself to 3 students. Sentenced to 12 yrs but sentence overturned by Court. Laicized 2005. MO permanently revoked teaching license as of 10/07. Reportedly living in Las Vegas 8/07.
Priest Thomas J. Bender Convicted Allentown, PA: Convicted 1988. Abuse of boy. 7 years probation. New accusations 2006 where he was arrested on charges of online solicitation of detective posing as 14 yr old boy. Bender pleaded guilty 7/06 but asked in 8/06 to withdraw his guilty plea based on a recent appellate decision. Pleaded guilty to federal charges 2/07. Sentenced to 10 yrs prison 5/08. Laicized in May, 2005
Priest Francis A. Benham Convicted Washington, DC: First complaint made in 1979; sent for treatment. Pleaded guilty in 2005 to molesting 15-year-old boy and sodomizing a 13-year-old girl in the late 1970s. Sentenced to 2 concurrent 10 yr sentences but suspended all but 18 months. Released from prison 1/06, followed by 3 yrs probation. Placed on sex offender registry. Previously worked in Columbus OH and in IL. In IL he was a certified child care provider with Human Services. Cited 10/12 in IL for practicing clinical psychology without a license.
Priest Harry S. Benjamin Convicted Detroit, MI: Removed from duties in 1989 after accusations he abused a 14 yr old boy during overnight pizza and beer parties at the rectory and on trip to Europe. Admitted the abuse in 11/89 resignation letter. Name not released until 5/02. Criminal charges filed in 2002; sentenced after 2003 plea agreement to 1 yr prison. Laicized in 1992 but continued to say mass without permission thru 2005. On VA Sex Offender Registry as of 7/10.
Priest Gustavo Benson Convicted San Bernardino, CA: Arrested in San Bernardino for abuse of 2 boys. Pleaded no contest 1/87 re 1 and given 3 yrs probation and treatment in New Mexico. 6/02 article says he moved to Mexico and was assigned to a diocese there. Calif. Bishop told Tijuana Bishop of Benson’s history and that he should never have access to adolescents. Two filed civil suit 12/03. Listed on 3/07 list released by San Diego Diocese. Personnel file released 10/10. He is currently working for church in Ensenada, Mexico.
Priest Matthew Berko Convicted St. Petersburg, FL: Berko, a member of Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of St. Josaphat of Parma, was working in Toronto, Canada when he abused a 14 yr old girl. Pleaded guilty 1985 to molestation charge and served a year of probation in Connecticut. Girl and family sued and won judgment (never paid). Berko turned up as pastor of Ukrainian Catholic church in St. Petersburg FL. Removed from these duties in 4/02 when Ukrainian Bishop was informed of his past. Died 5/08.
Priest Gary D. Berthiaume Convicted Detroit, MI: Removed from duty. Convicted of abuse of 2 in 1978 in Detroit. Served 6 months in jail then transferred to Cleveland diocese where he offended again and then moved in 1987 to Joliet Diocese. Detroit victim filed civil suit 1983. Another suit filed in 1999 which alleged abuse in 1980s. Living in Illinois retreat house as of 2002. Laicization announced 11/07.
Priest Thomas R. Bevan Convicted Baltimore, MD: Removed 8/09 after allegations that he sexually abused a minor boy several times at St. John’s school in Frederick between 1974-1979. He denied. Archdiocese learned of allegations 6/09 and notified police. Another allegation made in 2005 dated back to 1974 but review board found “insufficient evidence” and he wasn’t removed. 4 allegations found credible 11/09. Perm. removed from active ministry 11/09.
Priest Earl Bierman Convicted Covington, KY: First complaints received in 1961. May have abused as many as 100 boys. Convicted of abuse of 6 boys in 1993 and received 20-year sentence. Died in prison 2005. Sued in both KY and NM. 1 case in 1995 went to Jury verdict of $700,000 in punitive damages after Diocese accused of failing to reveal abuse of other victims. Another suit settled in 2003.
apples and oranges, I am in the middle of suing him with my lawyer. I cannot say his name until the class action lawsuit comes out. Understand this though. He is currently in prison, convicted for the same crimes he did against me.
i see charges filed , proof given and criminal punished, see when sufficient proof is given we can put these deviants behind bars, instead of punishing all the accused just to make sure we get the guilty
If every cardinal who was aware of perverts being moved from parish to parish were not allowed to vote for a new pope.
No one would be voting.
The usual libs posting their drivel in accordance with their agenda of hatred toward all that is pure and saintly
best wishes with your case
Speak for yourself, Ellie.
The usual sheep, apologist for evil. Pure and saintly sure ain't Ratzinger, the former Nazi and pedophile priest enabler.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing". ~Edmund Burke
Ratzinger is bringing hope...by leaving. He is not a good man.
Frank LaFerriere,
There are more pedophiles out there who have never been accounted for.
Sister Rose Agnes, O.P. - In Kentucky, July 24, 1963. Sr. Rose Agnes, O.P. (Anna J. Bray), beloved daughter of the late Peter and Catherine Bray. Interment in St. Catherine's Cemetery, Kentucky, July 28, 1963.
Above is Rose's obituary. Rose was a nun at Saint Marys church in Norton, Massachusetts and after her death the RCC covered their tracks by stating that Rose was a nun in her home state of Kentucky. Rose was a young nun, she was around twenty five years old at the time of her death. Parishoners at Saint Marys Church in Norton use to always wondered why Rose became a nun for because she was a beautiful looking woman. Well the reason why Rose became a nun for was to avoid a prison sentence for a prior pedophilia arrest. This freak nun use to take me upstairs into her bedroom inside the church rectory while across the street my stupid two neighbors who brought me to the church with them all the time sat inside the church during mass services. Rose was killed by an intentional hit and run automobile on Reservoir Street in Norton, Ma. She was stalking me in my neighborhood at the time of the incident. Soon after the hit and run her body was found floating in the Mansfield Reservoir. Officials within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were also involved. They had protected the RCC for such a long time that when they realized what happened they were too afraid lets say to disclose to the public about what happened. The hit and run driver, he was my savior, a decorated WWII Marine veteran who had Dissociative Identity Disorders like myself. He was Norton police deputy. He was never charged for the crime, Yeah!
Morrissey - Father Francis. Pastor of St. Marys Church, Bath, Maine. Formally of Arlington, Mass., on April 15 (1967). The Office of the Dead will be said at 3 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Church. Funeral Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church.
Above is Francis's obituary. But Francis was not a pastor in Maine. He was a pastor at Saint Marys church in Norton, Massachusetts. After his death er his execution inside the Saint Marys sunday school building on Power Street in Norton, Ma. the RCC scurried to conceal what happened. The RCC went as far as having another individual use Francis's identity in order to fake that he was still alive. Francis's electrocuted charred body was buried up in Maine though. "You can call me Frank" Francis use to say. He was a sadist who behaved like he had ants in his pants when was psychopathic. Frank was a murderer too. He murdered at least six children that I know of. One very child victim of his, after murdering the child he stuffed the body inside one of those door step milk delivery containers and he dumped the body in the Mansfield Reservoir in Norton Ma. Another child, four years old, he took the kid to an isolated area on the bank of Mansfield Reservoir behind an old volunteer firehouse and hit the kid on the head with a shovel killing him and next he buried the body at the same location. Frank also murdered two children on the same day and buried the bodies behind the Saint Marys rectory in Norton, Ma. and disguised the buried spot by making it into a garden. He grew tulips in it. In 1976 when I enlisted in the Marine Corps I was diagnosed with having Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and while under hypnosis I was able to tell about these buried bodies. An criminal investigation was performed and the bodies were recovered. With the knowledge that I had about two other victims buried in another town they were able to recover the bodies. Officials within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were also involved with the coverup crimes. They had protected the RCC for such a long time that when they realized what happened they were too afraid lets say to disclose to the public about what the RCC was doing.
Frank LaFerriere, as for BishopAccountability, I hate to break this news to you but unfortunately that organization I believe is now unreliable. Too many wannabees I suspect who don't know what they're doing is how I believe that place now operates. For one whoever collects the mail or opens it should be fired. I sent them a draft testimony of my story and I was never contacted by them later. Because of a mental avoidance symptom and they ignoring me I'm now unable to contact them any longer.
Now I will post my comment here. Had no time to correct my spelling and lousy writing skills and I get dizzy when talking about my trench warfare.
The Catholic church is basically Scientology with a 2,000 yr head start.
I am pleased I live in the age to see the decline of the church and religion in general. It's going to be relegated to third world countries much like Voodoo and Santeria. Which, by all accounts, has the same exact amount of credibility and evidence for it's claims.
I will never release the names of ALL the priest who likes sex with little boys!!!!! They couldn't drag it out of me if they hooked me to the "Pope-mobile!"
There are tens of thousands of pedophile priests throughout hundreds of years, many of them documented.
The RAT-zinger conceived of, initiated, developed, and implemented the policy of covering up for child raping priests, relocating them to new, fresh victims, and sending troubleshooters to the parishes of victims to keep them quiet OVER AND OVER AND OVER again.
The current cast of cardinals follow suit. They are just as guilty. It is likely they will vote in someone who will continue to cover their tracks and protect their secrets. The only way to strip them of their power is to dimish the power od the rcc.
Members of the rcc, stop financing child abuse. Leave the rcc.
bishopaccountability.org "survivor's accounts"
Frank
Thank you for your posts.
Dissociate
Many of the criminals on bishop accountability are CONVICTED CHILD RAPISTS AND MOLESTERS
bishopaccountability.org "survivor's accounts"
If the pope retires and noone gives 2 craps,is the noise still a child quietly being molested? Thought so.
What defrock?
"The future pope is among you"...................Well DUHHHH!.......Unless he is an alien from outerspace.....
What a great quote...belongs with another great quote, this one from Jesse Ventura ex Gov and wrestler from Mn.
"You don't know , what you don't know!"
@kaybeetoys-
Cast the first stone hypocrite- you exemplify your party of hatred by spewing your nonsensical rhetoric. IN the end, you only defeat yourself.
good riddance! Now you pedaphile protecting, pretentious Bishops can let us all know which one of you will serve ass the new papal in a puff of smoke.
"Benedict is Pope;
He brings Hope."
Sure he does. With his leaving, it brings the hope that the end of this corrupt organization is on its way down. From what the prophesies say, only one more Pope to go.
All I could think of when he turned and left the balcony was... POP...GOES THE WEASEL!
MONSTER!!! Mea Maxima Culpa - watch this documentary people!!! This man KNEW everything years ago!!!! He is a MAN....stop putting him and all the other clergy on a pedestal!! Meanwhile, your children are being molested - raped and sodomized!! YOUR CHILDREN ARE YOUR PRIORITY!!! They all covered for each other!! WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY!! He is PURE evil, what he and all the others have done!!! Insane, that you all ignore this and WORSHIP this wolf in sheep's clothing!!! Despicable!!! SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on you, EVIL, CORRUPT, MAN!!!
Gee, how about all you hypocrites that totally forget the vast majority of pedophiles who ARE NOT PRIESTS? You must be giving them a pass since they are not associated with a Church...... You are about as bad as our wolf-crying President. People are starting to ignore him too. The Church is no different than the rest of the world. The same due process has to be given to a priest as is given to Joe Average on the street. The Church is working on fixing the problem, but they have to have proof too. Not just some Atheist/Liberal on a witch hunt decrying all who wear the cloth.
Best wishes to the Pope on his retirement. (No I'm not a Catholic, but I'm tired of the biased stupidity of some of these posts.)
Some day, at some time in the future, the documentation of this Pope's activities as a Bishop, Vatican official and Pope will surface. I have a hunch what we know various cover-ups today is only the tip of the tip of the iceberg.
"Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself."
Richard M Nixon's Farwell Speech
To all the religion haters out there. IF religion falls, then who will you blame when the deviants remain? Will politicians be the next target for not being able to stop this tragic and socially driven human condition? Or will you look in the mirror? The fact is, the number of those in the clergy in tiny compared to the freaks, deviants, sociopaths, and pedophiles in everyday, not cleric life. Those who you work with, talk with at the corner coffee shop, babysit your kids, watching them playing the parks that go largely ignored and un-punished. It is estimated the number of none cleric pedophiles is in the millions. Most do not use religion as a reason for their deviance, they claim to be born that way. Sound familiar?
Could the church have done better in their efforts, clearly. However, what's your justification for all the secular freaks walking around? How do explain the secular record that is far worse in prevention and apprehension of deviants? Oh that's right, they're sick, they should be rehabilitated, they should be treated. Please. You can't have it both ways. They are either ALL criminals deserving of the harshest punishment or they are misunderstood and sick and therefore to be pitied.
Personally, I adhere to the former, child molestation and rape, rape in general and serial killers should all meet a swift end by the noose on a good rope. Statistics dictate they can not be rehabilitated. So why waste time and money to house them in prison? I'm sure to some, that seems rash but I tend to think a child molester or killer is not deserving of mercy. But suffer no illusions, they are far more common in the general population that the church. But the church has deep pockets, and that's what this is all about, money. The rewards of suing the church are far greater than those gained from the perverse dregs in your neighborhood. That and you "Man is God" types and the militant atheists, like the "progressive" brown shirts seize any opportunity to attack establishments they seem to think irrelevant. The thing is, if you kill off all those establishments you think responsible, and it all continues just the same, You will come to realize at last, it was not the establishment, but your fellow human beings. Then what? There will be no establishment to sue, no compensation, no money. Just the secular perverts that are far too common today. Sad, but true. Execution may not be a deterrent, but if applied to these freaks, they don't do it again. The only good pervert is a dead one.
I am willing to bet that he quit before the HBO Special about him came out! Cannot wait to see what it's about...probably confirms what we already know!
It is worse than what we know!
And you know what,exactly? What you read or watched in the news? Now THAT'S an unbiased source of information. You, like most of your kind, know only what is fed you by those who would provide every thought in your head. Have you and the rest of the militant brown shirt loyalists done ANY independent research? Gone to the source and asked your own questions? No, you have not, is the correct answer. you are parroting the opinions of those who would control you. Repeating the words of those who have an agenda to forward. How every sad people seem incapable of independent thought and reasoning, have become so indoctrinated into a set of beliefs that serve only those in power. Enjoy your slavery, "Those who can not or will not think for themselves and determine if they are being lead down a path that is destructive to both liberty and freedom, those who will not defend their freedoms from those who would deprive them of these are doomed to be held in bondage and suffer the whims and caprices of lesser men". Thomas Jefferson.
I firmly believe that the Catholic Church (particularly its leadership) is the whore that the Bible speaks of in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 17.
I could give an entire dissertation as to why I believe this to be the case, but often it is more prudent to leave it to the individual and God's Spirit to discern truth from lies. Read it for yourself.
Wouldn't it be great if a female Pope were elected? Never happen. Sadly, they would never give up their lucrative and powerful old-boys club.
While I do not support their lucrative and powerful "club" either, having strictly male leaders is scriptural.
And 'scripture' was written by men. How convenient.
You believe that the men who penned the words that are recorded in scripture weren't inspired by the Holy Spirit? You believe that they wrote a message of oppression and not liberty?
Correct. They were inspired by the times and their own thought processes. Not divinely inspired at all.
Oh, I see. Since that is your belief, one can only infer that you don't accept the Bible as your source of spiritual direction and truth. If this is the case, then why do you hope for an outcome that is not in accordance with the beliefs of an institution that you don't support or affiliate yourself with?
I didn't say 'hope'. Having hope that a female will be elected Pope is foolishness, and I am not a foolish person. I'm just saying that the Church is stuck in the past - the long-distant past - and most of their policies have no relevance to the present.
Beginning a phrase with, "Wouldn't it be great..." implied 'hope' in my mind. I can't really see it any other way. Regardless, you have no belief in their dogma, so certainly you will not agree with their 'policies'. However, if those policies are founded in their dogma, then they won't change, nor should they if they truly believe that their dogma is infallible. If every single individual (male and female) in the Catholic Church was perfectly content with the belief that the leadership should be men, why does that bother you? How is it inherently wrong and "outdated"? And why does your say or opinion really matter at all, seeing as you aren't affiliated with them, don't support them and have no desire to?
CS: Your questions are somewhat interesting, but I don't intend to answer them. This dialogue could go on well into the night, but not as far as I am concerned.
Have a good evening.
Changing the subject does not change reality. And you are forgetting the other crucial issue here: how the RCC handled those pedophile priests. They should have reported them to the police. Instead, they paid off the victims or bullied them into silence. Then they transferred known pedophiles to other parishes where they continued to molest children.
And you're OK with that, apparently... which means you are culpable as well, you and all the other Catholics who lick the pope's ring.
Your corrupt church molested emotionally too, by representing priests as god's servants, unimpeachable...but they were perverts who destroyed the faith of those innocent children as well. Perhaps that is the greater damage.
The RCC is one of the richest organizations in the world, but they have already gotten into financial and legal difficulties over this ongoing scandal. Why do you think Ratzinger resigned?? WAKE UP, sheep!!
Get your house in order, RCC. Remember the words of Jesus and build upon a rock, not upon sand. Better yet, just close up shop. There are better ways to spend your hard-earned money, folks.
Another word for "dogma" is "bitch".
I didn't change the subject Kaybee, I was pointing out the hypocrisy of those who place blanket statements against one group, (including those who are totally innocent in the group) while totally ignoring those equally guilty outside the group. Additionally, when those same folks are getting fuel for their fire from the Media, one who is now only interested in their own agenda and not the TRUTH, it doesn't add much to their argument. You should wake up and look at the entire picture of pedophilia, not just those cases where priests are involved. For me, all pedophilia is wrong, regardless of who commits the act. But also, we still live in America, where you are innocent until PROVEN guilty. That should equally apply too.
BTW, speaking of staying on topic....this article is concerning the Pope resigning due to poor health, not pedophilia within the Catholic Church. How about commenting on that, instead of going off on your soapbox?
Enneagram1---
Bummer. I was very much enjoying our conversation. Perhaps another time.
kaybeetoys---
dog·ma
/ˈdôgmÉ™/
Noun
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true: "the Christian dogma of the Trinity".
Synonyms
tenet - doctrine
Don't be intentionally ignorant.
One day, you're infallible. Next day, not so much.
Is this story about over now? You'd think it was the second coming of Christ, the way the news media are fixated on it.
The news media is helping to expose this cult for what it is !
this story hasn't begun to be over and should be told until something is done. this man should be going to jail not on vacation.
A lot of talk in the news about the pioneering path a Pope Emeritus must blaze considering there is no historical precedent of this nature.
Isn't that called making it up as you go?
Crikey, all people of faith are experts at that.
The only thing the Pope needs to be close to are the bars in a jail cell.
Peter the Roman - coming soon to a theater near you
Roamin' Peter?
I thought it was kind of sweet how the Pope flagellated himself on his way out of the building.
The "CULT LEADER" gets to freely fly away.
Tarcisio Pietro Evasio Bertone - could be the next and last (112th) Pope.
"Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself."
Richard M. Nixon's Farwell Speech
Cartels For Obama,
That was very profound of you. The people on here can't help but to hate. What else would you expect from a bunch of atheists? It is their nature to hate and they display proudly on this newsvine.
LOL Corky! I thought is was a very humorous take on the situation. I saw it as a comparison to Nixon and immediately thought of the pope throwing up 2 peace signs and getting on a helicopter. It's what a man in power might say as he is kicked from his thrown after being accused of corruption. It is a very great quote for this circumstance. Kudos Cartels for Obama
Really bothers you doesn't it? awl...LOVE IT!
By the way, we have an 85 year old frail man, giving a speech in a foreign language to the people at Castel Gandolfo, and he gives his speech without use of a teleprompter! On the other hand we have an "alleged" intellectual occupying the White House and he needs a teleprompter to speak to a group of sixth graders. I'll reitierate: I LOVE IT!!!
Why are you bringing up Obama? The guys name that I referenced is "Cartels for Obama". This is about the Pope. Are you really defending Nixon or something? I don't get it.
The wealthiest clan of hypocrites & pedophiles on the planet.I know I'll get a ration of BS from the billion or so Catholics & that's fine.Every one of them should be ashamed & taxed!
"The Lord must have been sleeping."What a load of crap.Makes about as much sense as 72 virgins.
Don't forget that he was a member of the Hitler Youth and member of the Nazi Party. He rather watched millions being killed instead of representing and standing up for alleged christian values and manking.
"The Lord must have been sleeping." The pope said that!!! Hmmm...the leader of the Catholic church and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob does not speak to him??? Lets see what the Word of God has to say about this: Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. Job 34:28 So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted. John 9:31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. 1 John 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 1 John 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
As a former Catholic I hope every Catholic that reads this will see this institution for what it is: EVIL
hey day in heaven,
Do not classify yourself as a former Catholic. You obviously were not a Catholic if you attribute it with EVIL. If you do attribute EVIL with Catholicism than you probably do not know too much about Catholicsm.....true Catholicsm has only preached about good. There have been priests who have committed horrific crimes, but they do not represent the Catholic Church when they did this.
If Charles Manson killed people and was American, does that make you a murderer because you too, are an American? This is the logic of the people who refer to Catholicism as an evil cult. They don't really know too much about it.
This evil man is a criminal! He allowed rapes and abuse for more than 20 years on innocent children. HE was IN CHARGE of the complaints sent to Rome. He should burn in hell! I was raised a Catholic and am ashamed and horrified by this conduct. And he has the nerve to call us sinners!
Jesus himself stated to the apostles that there would be many false churches and teachings in Matthew 24:5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
This is prevalant in the Catholic church and common place in mainstream christianity as well. All christian churches fully admit that Jesus is the christ but by through their man made church doctrines and pagan practices almost all of christianity is decieved. I know you will say that you as a christian are not however how many of you have done the works like the apostles have done? This is the type of christianity that God wants his sheep to have...
People ought to be ashamed! Yes the Church has had it's issues over the centuries, but so has every other religious sect, including Protestant Christianity. You have NO RIGHT TO JUDGE. I am not siding with Rome, but as Christians you should listen you your god's own words!! They are right there in the book you claim to believe in. If you are atheist or non-christian, then you have no say!!! The Papacy, like the Church itself, is not perfect - the pope does NOT consider himself sinless or perfect. Nor does he consider himself a monarch. The Church operates and contributes more monies to charity than any other religious institution. It has more missionaries in the world than any other and does more good in the world than ANY other religious institution. All I ask is that you get you facts straight and stop dwelling on a few priests who went bad. They are NOT in the majority and, in fact, are a very small minority among the world wide clergy. If you are Catholic, then you should hope that the next pope will continue to do good works. If you are NOT Catholic, then shut the hell up, it does not concern you!
Yawn.
It has nothing to do with good works. Read Matthew 7:22-23
Really? The Pope equated himself with Christ:
I thought the idea was that the Pope was his REPRESENTATIVE and not his EQUAL. Even "Saint" Peter asked to be crucified upside-down since he was "not worthy" to be crucified in the same manner as Christ.
r-j-watson I was brought up in the RCC, I went to first communion, confession etc. I went to catholic school. I still have the group photo of my first communion. We were a RCC family.
I lost my faith the night a priest at St Thomas More parish in Durham NH spent the night raping my body and torturing my soul, my heart and my mind. I remember praying and crying to God and Jesus Christ while he was raping me to make him stop. When they did not answer my prayer I felt I deserved what I got. I felt that God and Jesus Christ hated me and wanted me to be raped by the priest as punishment. I felt I was evil, doomed to an eternity in hell. I lost my faith that night. I did try to get it back a few times, even going to Bangor Theological Seminary and attending Episcopal churches. I just couldn't. I couldn't even really attend my fathers funeral, held in a RCC church. I was there, but all the while I was screaming on the inside to run out.
I am tired of being condemned to hell by people whom say I deserve it because I turned my back on your God and Jesus Christ. I would NEVER AGAIN believe or bow down to them or their name. See now instead of thinking and believing I was the evil one, I now say your God and Jesus Christ were the evil ones. I know, I know, the come backs I get are typically God and Jesus gives people free will and it was not God and Jesus who raped you and if you only come back to God and Jesus then they will forgive you for hating them and heal you.
Really? I have sought God and Jesus and all I can find is two beings who we are supposed to bow down and worship, pray and believe they will answer the prayers, and follow their rules and everything will be all hunkey dory. WRONG. For if your God and Jesus Christ hates evil as we are told, if evil is an abomination in their eyes, then why do they turn a blind eye to the abomination that is priest rape and leader cover up? Supposedly they turned Lots wife into a pillar of salt, and destroyed Sodom and Gommorah, but these two cannot get their heads wrapped around how evil it is to have their priests raping and torturing children and having their Popes, Cardinals and Bishops covering it up? You mean your God and Jesus Christ were lying to us children when they said: It would be better that you tie a boulder around your neck and throw yourself into the deepest of lakes than harm a single hair on the heads of a child?
Oh I know, God and Jesus Christ allows their RCC to proclaim a Catechism, but then disobey this:
2356 Rape is the forcible violation of the sexual intimacy of another person. It does injury to justice and charity. Rape deeply wounds the respect, freedom, and physical and moral integrity to which every person has a right. It causes grave damage that can mark the victim for life. It is always an intrinsically evil act. Graver still is the rape of children committed by parents (incest) or those responsible for the education of the children entrusted to them
I know, because it does not say anything about priests and nuns sexually abusing children or Popes, Cardinals and Bishops keeping it quiet, this absolves them of their crimes against humanity? With the blessing of God and Jesus Christ of course.
Why is it most victims of priest child rape are pariahs? Why are we treated like crap? Why are most of us living in abject poverty? Why are most of us committing suicide if our lives are so happy and joyous? Oh yeah I forget, we all should just forgive, forget and move on, without justice, without seeing the very perverts, the Pedophile Pimps of the Unholy Roman Catholic Church, get away with their crimes, be cheered and praised, be well cared for in their dotage, to see them all fat and sassy, to see them all happy with huge smiles on their faces. Meanwhile you can bet there are priest abuse victims like me who wonder if we will make it through another day of having to deal with our bull@!$%# we are put through by the RCC.
To see you all sing praises and cheer this scum Pope, who covered for at least two pedophile priests, who put the church before the children, is going into retirement, with the sounds of cheers in his ears.
While we victims of priest rape and torture go to bed with the sounds of our being called liars, gold diggers, out to destroy the Holy Roman Catholic Church, the sounds of the crowds cheering a Pedophile Pimp and his fellow Pimps.
Ahhhh, the world is safe for the Pedophile Pimps, their adoring crowds will make sure of that.
Send in the haters...
Cat, maybe you should read the article acutally. He compared himself with Peter.
Cat, as ALL Christians, Benedict wasn't saying anything we shouldn't be saying ourselves. We ALL have crosses to bear!
r-j-watson
the few priests?
Try tens of thousands. Thousands reported in THIS COUNTRY ALONE. And the abuse continues. Just follow the papers nationwide.
By your logic we should have no police, courts, judges, juries, or trials. Since criminals are in the minority compared to the general population they should be forgiven and we should focus on the good things they have done in their lives.
This pope protected child rapists. He did not report known brutal crimes. He should be punished to the extent of the law.
bishopaccountability.org "survivor's accounts' Why are we letting them get away with brutalizing our children?
"You have NO RIGHT TO JUDGE."
R-J, you claim they have no right to judge, but yet, you're judging them. Being sort of hypocritical, aren't you?
"I am not siding with Rome, but as Christians you should listen you your god's own words!!"
That's a joke, right? The problem with your thought is, they aren't the Christians that the Christ wanted all to be. Not when they don't follow all of the Christ's teachings. I call them Christian wannabes wishing they were like the Christ, but fail miserably in the attempt. Sure, they can think of themselves as such, but thinking one is, does not make it so.
I was baptised catholic, wish I wasn't. I wish I wasn't baptised at all. Thank goodness my parents didn't force me to confirm. Religion warps natural human morals, and catholicism is one of the worst.
Watson - is that your argument in support of pedophile priests?
He puts his pants on just like any other man..oops he doesn't wear pants....he wears a damn dress.
No where in there did Watson say he was in support of pedophiles. You people like to twist words around quite a bit. Its almost comical with what you people come up with. When the priests performed these horrific acts, they were not representing the Catholic Church. Now, we have people up in arms believing the Catholic Church is bad because someone in the Church committed a crime.
Your logic would be the same to say that Charles Manson is a murderer and an American. If you are an American, you are a murderer. Kind of sounds retarded doesn't it?.....Well.....this is your logic. You can come on here and say it was a big coverup and everyone in the Catholic Church was involved in the coverup including the pope, but I dare one of you to show any proof of your little conspiracy theory.
I am Catholic and if I had it my way, I would cut the d!ck off the priests who committed this crime and throw them in jail for the rest of their natural lives, but it would be illogical of me to punish the whole Catholic Church because the actions of some priests.
Corky
The rcc elected the man who created and implemented the cover-up and relocation of pedophile priests as the head of their organization. He sent troubleshooters to the parishes of the victims to keep them quiet. The brainwashed minions of the rcc stand by him and his crony cardinals who continue to withhold names of pedophiles and to protect them, yet fight assisting their rape victims with recovery.
That is EVIL. Every mamber of the rcc currently supports this ongoing criminality. You can bet the next pope will take up where the RAT-zinger left off and you and all the other brainwashed will go right along with it.
And that is VERY ROMAN CATHOLIC. I grew up suffering through roman catholicism. The pressure to keep me there when I left was unbelievable. The insistance that I finance and support my abusers is absolutely ludricous.
bishopaccountability.org "survivor's accounts"
Linda M ... I am NOT a Christian, though I have engaged in copious comparative religious study. I was married to 2 different men with Catholic families and respect the Christian and Catholic faiths. I respect ALL faiths as my own spirituality and faith bid me to.
Carl. since the cross is supposedly the symbol of CHRIST and not PETER, I would have to call BS on your argument.
We all have our crosses to bear, and to be a Christian Christ said in the Gospel one must "take up your cross and follow me." There was nothing sacreligious in what the Pope said.
Good riddance to a creepy old troll.
Wonder if he took the time to say his good-byes to the Butler....?...lol
Let me assure you mr. pope, in my humble human opinion, the Good Lord is NOT asleep at the wheel, I'm quite sure he knows OUR SINS ... I am a sinner saved by the Grace of God, not of any saving grace that a mere man can give. I find "my confessional" is on my knees and the "hearer" of that confession is more than happy to forgive when we humbly seek his forgiveness.
Another nut case I see.
He said Jesus "appears" to be asleep. What he meant was, if you remember that story, Jesus soon woke up and calmed the seas. Enough with the Anti Catholic garbage.
Carl, Catholics will be persecuted until the end of time. We can take comfort in the Beatitudes, especially the one that calls the persecuted blessed. The hatred here does NOT come from God. May God change their hearts.
Linda
It is not persecution, it is the truth. It is a demand for justice. It is a demand that criminals who are hiding in a church, with the protection of the church, be held accountable for their actions and be punished for their crimes according to the same laws by which the rest of the criminals in the world are tried and convicted.
If ever you are robbed or assaulted, let's how much love you have for the attacker or thief. Let's see how much you consider him "persecuted" rather than guilty of a crime. Let's see if you expect the police to tell you to love him, forgive him, revere him.
bishopaccountability.org "survivor's accounts"
I want justice against those who covered up these horrible acts as well, but that does not effect my faith. The Catholic Church is not just the Heirarchy who covered theses attrocities up. The Catholic Church is over 1 billion people who practice the sacraments and teaching of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I wont let the actions of a few affect my faith. In the times of Christ the Jews in Israel had a corrupt heirarchy in their religion made up of pharisees, highpriests and scribes. Did this make Jesus stop being Jewish? Whats good enough for Him is good enough for me. I live in the USA, where our government does many things I dont agree with. That doesn't make me up and move to China. Learn to see the forest for the trees and stop labeling all Catholics.
It is not persecution, it is the truth. It is a demand for justice. It is a demand that criminals who are hiding in a church, with the protection of the church, be held accountable for their actions and be punished for their crimes according to the same laws by which the rest of the criminals in the world are tried and convicted.
I TOTALLY agree. So when do we get to start trying the liberal and democratic politicians for treason? For lying to the public and selling out our country and willing the lazy and idiotic sheep against the hard workers for votes - all because of inferiority complexes of liberals who want stuff but don't want to work for it. For usurping constitutional law and forcing anit-beneficiary policy and socialist rhetoric onto the people.
You know, all you poor folks who have this demented outlook that all Catholics all over the world are for pedophilia / molestation. This is absurd. Ask any Catholic and they will say how sad and terrible it is that these cases have occurred. As for the reporting of these cases, I have no doubt that the numbers are blown out of proportion and yes, as much as some folks do not want to believe it, some cases are made up just so people can have a share in the "winnings."
Also, this will not deter or sway the majority of Catholics. The fact is, we follow Jesus and what He teaches and believe in the infallibility of the Pope and the moral doctrines set forth. Despite these sad crimes, this will always be true.
God be with Benedict and my the new Pope lead us well in this time of tribulation!
Carl: The Catholic church has seven sacraments. I have read the bible from front to back and I have not read anywhere that this is a requirement from God. Marriage is not a requirement. Baptism was only performed on adults when they were old enough to make a conscious decision to follow Christ not on a tiny infant. Baptism is not necessary for salvation only recommended. The Eucharist is not necessary and certainly not on a weeekly basis. It may not be required at all. Circumcision is recommended however not neccessary for salvation. Really all of these rituals called sacraments are not done correctly by the church. Many of them should be done away with. Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they made God's word of ill-effect. In other words by there own traditions the spirit of truth became meaningless meaning the Word of God. The Catholic church has and continues to practice along those same lines.
"Catholics will be persecuted until the end of time."
What a line of crap that is. Adult Catholics are NOT the victims in this --- CHILDREN ARE. They are the ones who have been persecuted.
"You know, all you poor folks who have this demented outlook that all Catholics all over the world are for pedophilia / molestation."
That's NOT the problem at all. The problem is the Catholic Bishops throughout much of the world covered up the actions of a few pedophiles in their ranks. They were more concerned about public relations than the criminals among them. And as usual -- the cover-up makes the crime even worse.
If god is all seeing and all knowing, he is in the room when children get raped, he is watching it happen, and not doing a damn thing to help the innocent. Not a god damn thing. He either is not all loving or he is not all powerful. Any good being would stop such crimes. Thus, if there is an all powerful god, it is not a good being.
Sunny..God does see the bad that happens, but he doesn't make it happen. Would you rather we all be puppets on a string doing His bidding? If so, why bother living if you have no free will? Instead God mourns with us and tries to help up through these events. One hopes the people who perpetuate evil find God ( or other deity) that helps them see their bad ways and prevents future harm to themselves and other people.
Don't believe in God? Fine. It's your choice - see isn't free will better?
I seem to recall that the Catholic Church did the prosecuting. 1492: Jews were banished from Spain if they would not convert to Catholocism. Jews were isolated, burned at the stake. The words "flaming faggot" came from the Church burning homosexual men (faggot = bundle of sticks). Let's not forget the 6 million of so women who were burned as witches. St. Patrick drove the "snakes" out of Ireland, which means he drove the pagans out. The Church decimated the native populations of every new land that was discovered, including the Americas. The Catholic/Protestant wars in Europe are legendary. Even today, women and children are enslaved and forced to work in Church laundries in Ireland.
The Church has been the biggest terrorist organization in history. It has consistently served Satan over the years, while completely rejecting Jesus's teachings.
They do seem to like the word of Ezeziel, though, where it says that Egyptian men are hung like donkeys and have emissions like horses. They are really into penises.
Of course Catholics will be persecuted till the end of time. When you support child rape, you will be persecuted. Imagine if your employer and lots of his subordinates were busted for child rape and then got set free on a loophole and still remain in your company. Do you continue to happily work for that company?
Charlie, circumcision is not a sacrament nor is it required in the Catholic Church. Learn about what you are trying to refute. Secondly. All of the sacraments are found in the Bible. Catholics can also be baptized as adults. At the last supper, Christ said, "This IS my body, do this in remembrance of me." He did not say, "This is a symbol of my body." Christ also gave the Apostles the authority to forgive men's sins, hence, Reconciliation. We are all Christians, and I believe Protestants are heirs to the kingdom along with Catholics. The Church teaches this also. We are all Christ's body. I;m not so sure when people like you say the things you do that Prostestants feel the same about Catholics.
12For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot says, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 16And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. 19If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20But now there are many members, but one body. 21And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; or again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it.
jdfohs,
You have a skewed imagination. Why do you attribute the actions of a few priests with the true Catholic Church? The priests and those who covered up their actions were not representing the Catholic Church and they certainly were not representing me.
Since Charles Manson is a murderer and he is an American, does that make you a murderer because you are an American? This is your logic. This is what you are stating. Do you now understand how stupid and idiotic you sound right now?
The Catholic Church is not only the heirarchy who wrongfully covered up these atrocities. The churches major component is the one billion across the earth who believe in the teachings of Christ Jesus crucified and raised from the dead.
Carl
The rcc does not teach that Protestants are heirs to the kingdom. Its doctrine is that roman catholics are not to share communion in a roman catholic church with the roman catholics. Go to your local eccumenical service when it is hosted by the roman catholic church and you will see that even the ministers and priests of other denominations are not given communion.
Services at another denomination also "do not count". Roman catholics are supposed to attend church at a roman catholic church ONLY.
Where are all those sympathetic supportive roman catholics when the pedophiles were exposed? Where is the outrage? When will they demand that their church make restitution, and turn the criminals over for prosecution? Instead they elect the head of the cover-up as the head of their church. That's despicable.
Giving lip service to the notion that you are all not accessories to the crimes is a waste of time. As long as you continue to support and finance these criminals, you are guilty as well.
bishopaccountability.org "survivor's accounts"
You may have read the bible from cover to cover but it doesn't mean you understand it.
hey day in heaven
One of the commandments speaks about fornication so anyone who plan to have sex should be married. If not then you don't have to worry about getting married. Read:
Hebrews 13:4
1 Cor: 6:18
1 Thes :4:3
In the Catholic Church, Baptism is the first step to becoming a Christian....after baptism then first communion then confirmation. So although we baptize babies, it doesn't mean they will automatically follow Christ but it is hoped with good parenting as well as the support of the godparents they will.
Wrong, Luke 3:16 says :
Also read Acts 1:8
Read Luke 22:19 and parallel
That's mostly Judaism and Islam not the Catholic Church
Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they were self-righteous and hypocritical.
Now if you were to complain that the Catholic Church at times came across as hypocritical...that I can agree with. That's one sin most of us if not all have us have fall into from time to time.
Brainwashed, you are 100% wrong. The Catholic Church teaches that Protestants are heirs to the kingdom. Anyone who believes in Christ as the son of God enters into heaven. Thats a fact. Sorry, you can't spread that propaganda and feel self rightous on that one.
IslandGypsy: Don't be railing on me by stating I don't understand the bible!!! I understand far better than you...Here you are acting as the all seeing all knowing eye...Yes, if you burn with passion you should be married this I know but it is not a requirement and also it states for one to be single is better than for one to be married. Do you think for one second that they were bringing their babies for baptism by John the baptist... hardly??? They first had to prepare themselves spiritually and babies are incapable of that...And since you proudly march around accusing everyone on this site as biblical idiots tell me this!!! What day was Jesus baptised on??? If you don't know then you don't understand the bible!!! How many days did christ walk the earth if you don't know then you don't understand the bible. Tell me the meaning of the four horseman in revelation...what is this you don't know??? I thought you are such the expert. Your a fool. You are completely misunderstanding me but yet you claim to understand the bible.
He must be talking to the alter boys and all the other old gay men at the church.
CanUBelieveItt, you are probably one that supports gay marriage. What a hypocrite!
Homosexual does not equal pedophile...
The old man and his flock of men in dresses took a vow of celibacy. Gay marriage has nothing to do with this.
Say bye poop er pope
Barack the Muslim Obama for POPE
How about President Obama for the next 4 years.
Wow, anything to sneak in that political comment, right?
Once ya accuse someone of rape, it doesnt matter if it happened or not, they are guilty of it in the eyes of the public. I am not saying that it has never happened, I am sure that there are priests out there that did abuse children...but that doesnt mean that ALL of them are guilty.
Congratulations burgereater-2178640 --- you just moved into first place in "The moronic Message" curtest.
100% sick of having this on the front page of ever news site. ENOUGH of the POPE!
Totally agree with JSF49. The media coverage is beyond excessive on this make-believe channeler of god, who thinks that the human race hangs on his every word. Please editors, it's time to start reducing "news" of the pope's "retirement" to low priority. WE DON'T CARE!
Yet, you cared enough to read the article and then leave a comment. Site visits and comments to articles are partly how these sites determine what they will report going forward. Thanks for your contribution...
Gotta agree JSF49. Senile old man retires from his job. YAWN!
Private investigators have been searching for the real reason for the abdication of the pope.
Turns out, the butler did it.
Enough already don't let the door hit you in the ass !! so sick of this crap !! what a sick bunch of fanatic's
Evil little man...
The people who scare the hell out of me are the ones who don't know they are sick!
Benedict should go fishing in retirement -
Perverts don't fish....they hunt.
Doctors should check the Pope for lead poisoning, or cancer.
"Pledging his UNCONDITIONAL reverence and OBEDIENCE (caps are mine) to his successor", which is exactly what he demanded, in the form of an OATH, from his Cardinals and Bishops, which is the reason none of them came forward about the abuse, once the pope, himself, made his decision to continue to cover it all up. They would have had to break their OATH to come forward, and that would mean burning in hell for Eternity. So they saved their own souls at the expense of children. If there is a bigger pile of scum on this earth than these men, I'd like to see it. The OATH they take is not to God, or to do good for humanity, and children, but to that little puke in white.
Except that they wouldn't burn in hell for eternity. they were just brainwashed to believe that.
bishopaccountability.org "survivor's accounts"
As the Pope says I will continue to be close to you is probably true, because where else the SATAN can be except close to his minions. He should have said come to Hell with me my close followers.
I bet he says that to all of the little boys.
Its still hard to reconcile his being a Hitler youth ending up as Pope
nole82 --- He was drafted and deserted !!!
.....it's not the Newsmedia that's 'commercializing' this POPE HOOPLA, it's the AMERICAN Christian idiocracy which makes MAJORITY of this so called, 'GREATEST NATION' on 'This 'God's Green Earth' (hello Michael Medved -a Jew who worships a holy wall in Israel and promotes Christianity as a great religion that teaches MORAL VALUES?), while those who preach it rape our Children because not all nuns can be prostitues behind rich coffers of Vatican. Boy, did the Pope not look silly when he told his followers to 'Bless Him'?
By the imagery in your cathedrals, people do not think of resurrection/incarnate, peoples still have him pinned to a cross. If one believes in Resurrection/incarnate, then remove him from the cross. Over 2000 years and still pinned.
I can count on one hand the number of Catholics I know, yet, there are a half dozen stories, all at the top of the page, on this website. Why is this cult news at all??? NBC, report the news, and leave stories about religious fruitcakes in the trash bin where they belong. I'm sick to death of hearing about all this religious crap. Religion is nothing more than a rehash of fairy tales, myths, and superstition. It's no more newsworthy than astrology.
I would hardly call a church with 1 billion followers a "cult". The fact that it is organized religion is what scares the hell out of me. No pun intended.
Astrology makes the paper every day!
By definition, all religion's are a cult.
I'm guessing he'll be dead in less than a year. Probably "in his sleep". So you won't have to listen too much longer. However, the catholic church is pretty big, so it's not going anywhere anytime soon. I wish that weren't true, but...
The Catholic haters and haters of religion are out in force again today. They have nothing better to do but search out religious topics so they spit their venom and hope that someone will agree with them. Misery loves company. Enjoy the rest of the day.
I turned on the TV to watch Price is Right and all I see is some guy flying in a copter.I do not hate Catholics, I don't want to watch Billy Graham ride off into the sunset or some eastern guy flying on a carpet either. The Pope is not God, he is just a man no more or no less than the rest of us. I just checked still no Price is Right.
Good luck to you my friend with your shortsighted beliefs.
"The Catholic haters and haters of religion are out in force again today."
The Bishops and Pope are NOT the victims in this -- children are. This cover-up has been going on for at least 30 years that we are aware of and likely much longer than that. . When is the Vatican going to come clean?? And for the record --- I don't hate Catholics, I am a Catholic. My uncle is a priest and my sister in law is a nun.
Thanks for the warning.