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Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet arrives at the Paul VI hall in the Vatican on Monday.
OTTAWA — Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, one of the leading candidates to succeed Pope Benedict, suggested in an interview broadcast Monday that other candidates for pope might do a better job.
He also said it would not be surprising for the pope to come from outside Europe after that continent's long dominance of the papacy.
"There was a focus on Europe obviously for centuries, and centuries, and ... someday it is to be expected that a pope would come from Asia, would come from Africa, would come from America," he told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. "Nowadays it wouldn't be a surprise."
Ouellet, 68, is one of a handful cardinals seen as papal material, but he played down his qualifications. "I have to be ready even if I think that probably others could do it better," he said.
Ouellet, who now works in the Vatican, served as archbishop of Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec from 2002 to 2010, a fractious time where uncompromising positions from the Vatican often ran counter to the widespread secularism in Quebec.
Pope Benedict subsequently named him to the influential position of prefect of the Congregation of Bishops, which recommends the appointment of bishops to the pope.
'It makes me somewhat afraid'
In a separate interview with the French-language CBC, Ouellet recognized that his name does come up as a possible replacement for Benedict, who stepped down on March 1.
"I can't not think about the possibility. Reasonably, when I go into the conclave of cardinals, I have to say to myself, 'What if, what if...' It makes me reflect, it makes me pray, it makes me somewhat afraid. I am very conscious of the weight of the task," he said. "So you have to be ready for any outcome, but I think a certain number of people have more chance of being elected than me."
The Archbishop in temporary charge of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland has spoken about accusations of hypocrisy after the revelations about Cardinal Keith O'Brien. Archbishop Philip Tartaglia said the credibility and moral authority of the church had been undermined. ITV's Debi Edward reports.
Ouellet said he recognized that the church and the next pope needed to take advantage of social media. Benedict started tweeting in December, as @pontifex. Ouellet said he has been busy, but knows he needs to start tweeting.
Ouellet, who once said becoming pope "would be a nightmare," faced controversy in Quebec in 2010, months before being brought over to the Vatican, when he restated the Church's position that abortion is wrong even in the case of rape.
That remark drew condemnation from Quebec politicians, and one newspaper columnist wrote that he hoped the clergyman would die a long and painful death.
As he left Quebec, he said "the message of truth is not always welcome," but he also asked forgiveness for any harm he may have brought to people.
A Canadian journalist who interviewed Ouellet several times described him as a cross between John Paul II and Benedict, more reserved than the former but more photogenic than the latter. But even his friends say he is not charismatic.
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The pope delivers his final audience in St. Peter's Square as he prepares to stand down.
Related:
Sunday Mass protest: Priest burns Benedict's picture
Late dinners, grappa: The behind-the-scenes work of picking a pope
Full coverage of papal abdication from NBC News
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As a Catholic woman, nominally I'll admit, it just infuriates me to see a bunch of old men run the Church. Even as a child the unfairness of it rankled me. There is no good reason to exclude half of the population from the highest positions in the Church, but that kind of change will never happen in my lifetime, if ever.
All religions race to isolate and control the mind of their faithful. Otherwise they become dead religions. Too bad when they could be doing so much good. Instead they continue politics to absurdum.
Read your Bible, Carolyn,.....there is only one government and it is God Almighty that places His authority within his Church,....a small flock. PS,....it is NOT the largest entity on the earth,...
Oh goody. Once again an ancient old white man. Catholics are at least consistent.
I can think of a reason - you eliminate half of your competition for a wealthy and powerful position right up front. It's not a "good" reason but then most organized religions seem more about politics than "good".
The Polytheistic Catholic Church. Worth billions shared amongst a select elite that live like kings on money that should go to poor and starving children . Commandment 2 of 10: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images. Unless you are Catholic and then Saint Christopher, Saint Joseph, Mary, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Jerome, the Pope.....these are ALL OK for graven images. The popes of the past are like a history’s most wanted list for global mayhem and mass murder. The Crusades, The Inquisition, Conquistadors invasion, conquest, rape, pillage and genocide of the indigenous peoples of the Americas are but a few good examples. Between 500-1900 AD the numbers of innocent dead due to activities directed, attended, and condoned by Catholic priests are in the double digit millions. The popes of history have denied proven science over and over and again and even locked up Galileo for life because he said that the sun was the center of our solar system. Add the continued rapes and ritualistic abuse of innocent children around the world by adorned catholic cardinals, bishops and priests and the system wide cover up from the pope on down. How people can continue to follow such an obviously evil cult is beyond comprehension. Abolish Catholicism now for the good of humanity and the planet.
Why do nominal Catholics remain? I don't get it. Is it family pressure, social perks, laziness, lack of morals? What?
If priests boiled and ate infants and bishops on a global scale moved them around to the dioceses that had plump juicy babies to eat, would THAT BE ENOUGH for a nominal Catholic to leave? Or would you just say, "well there are the same amount of people in New Guinea that eat people too."
Apparently global raping, and enabling it, isn't enough. This is a tragic failure of morality on the part of the nominal Catholic. If you are afraid to leave because Yahweh might trickle melting plastic on the back of your neck and eyelids as punishment, is that a god worth worshipping anyway?
Nominal Catholics need to walk away. There is simply no reason for the Catholic Church to change when money keeps flowing. They are no different than any other corrupt business in that regard.
Isnt it sad when even your friends dont think you're charismatic?
and he's right, the message of truth isnt always welcome.
clearly, as most of the worlds catholics have their fingers in their ears screaming LALALA I CANT HEAR YOU anytime anyone wants to know why catholics everywhere arent outraged by the rampant sexual abuse scandals, the covering up of those scandals, and the indifference by catholics enmasse towards the abused children.
nope, it's all not real...or hardly ever happened, and plus...kids get raped everywhere, so it's ok.
Yea that's the problem not enough priests, bishops, cardinals and the pope on facebook. /S
they need to get elect that peter guy, thatll get the end of timers goin....
This article was supposed to be about the Catholic Cardinals being 'quiet about the leaks'. "Leaks" are'nt mentioned at all in the article. What's that all about?
In fact it is reported across satellite TV news today that Cardinal Ouellet of Canada is among the "leaked list of Cardinals called the Dirty Dozen", defined as those Cardinals with more criminal sex problems than the rest of the bunch.
I'd like to know is Cardinal Ouellet a sexual deviant or what?
Should anybody in the "Dirty Dozen" be Pope?
So, then, exactly what is the pope as relates to the church? Some would call a religious organization that centers around the leadership of one man a cult. I think about the words of Matthew 23:8-12
"But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 Do not be called [b]leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. 11 But the greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." - New American Standard Version
The Church doesn't center around the leadership of one man. It centers around Christ, Scripture, the teachings of the apostles, and sacred tradition and custom, as handed down by the early fathers and councils of the church. The pope isn't worshiped, nor is he seen as being "divine". He's a man, with all related struggles and imperfections, except when speaking officially on matters of faith. Only in that context do Catholics believe that he's "infallible", that God will keep him from erring.
Nice try attempting to show that Protestantism is more "Christian" than Catholicism with your Bible quotes by the way. Stories about Catholicism present the perfect stage for you, don't they? Scripture can be used to explain ANYTHING, including the Papacy, which Catholics trace back to St. Peter: "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I shall build my church". No one, including you, follows all of Scripture to the letter, tied to one meaning. You pick and choose too, or do you plan on taking your uppity son to the village elders to be stoned to death anytime soon?
"Call no one "leader"? Seriously? The apostles, as the first bishops, didn't lead? As for "call no one on earth your father", are you seriously saying that you never called your dad "father"?
I never called a religious leader a father. In any event, you don't know how I read or work with scripture, do you? You claim that the pope is not worshiped, but I have never seen one man so venerated in my life. For that matter, if the church does not center around the leadership of one man, then why does it have a pope? This one cherry-picked statement by Jesus to Peter does not seem to reflect the leadership model of the early church - why did Paul write most of the books of the New Testament? And why didn't Peter simply rule on the matter of circumcision in Acts rather than defer to the older men in Jerusalem? Also, I find of interest Galations 2:14 where Paul actually scorned Peter for his bias against non-Jews. Would Paul have rebuked the pope?
However, you are correct - the church is built on a great deal of tradition handed down by man. It was Matthew 15:6 where Jesus speaks about that - tradition being venerated more than the word of God.
I also think about some other important words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 7:15-22 "
Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will [k]know them by their fruits. [l]Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20 So then, you will [m]know them by their fruits.
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many [n]miracles?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you;depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’"
So, for 1700 years, what has been the "fruit" of the Catholic church? What currently IS the "fruit" of the Catholic church?
Not to say that many of the churches of Protestantism are much better, but the Catholic church has an unusually large number of sins to answer for as an entity.
And will was placed in front of the computer the make those judgments.... Ha Ha!
"A Canadian journalist who interviewed Ouellet several times described him as a cross between John Paul II and Benedict, more reserved than the former but more photogenic than the latter."
Is it no wonder that the press gets such poor marks for reporting? Photogenic? Who cares if the pope is pretty?
The Catholic Church would be far ahead to appoint a young(er) pope. He'll make mistakes, but who doesn't? However, a younger pope would probably be more up-to-date with world events, secular thinking, equilibrium, different viewpoints, being more open minded (as far as one can, in that state), progressive, etc.
An old man, while more "mature," will probably be so closed-minded that he won't be able to see the forest for the trees. That's been the failure of most of the leaders of the church. Ratzenberger/Benedict was a perfect example of this. I'm glad he's retired. John Paul II was a little more laid back, but he, too, was locked in. I realize that dogma controls much of what comes from the Catholic church, but most of the dogma comes from the minds of men, not their bible.
Whoever is elected pope will be a world leader, like it or not. I am not a Christian, but I do recognize the power of the personage in the position. No leadership role is easy. I hope the Catholics choose wisely and well.
Why be infuriated and critical of a church that you are only "nominally" part of? Why not become, say, an Episcopalian? The Episcopal Church has a similar liturgy, similar churches, warm and friendly congregations and clergy, religious orders, many of same traditions, social involvement - and women as priests and bishops. I am not an Episcopalian by the way.
Hans-285771, I am Episcopalian was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Episcopal churches rites are as those of the R.C.C., knowing this because my wife was raised R.C. so I have to take her word for it. The biggest difference she says between the churches is in the priesthood, women, married and openly gay.
I cooda been a contenda!!! About the only good thing was they didn't parade the "flavor of the month" like the republicans did last election. "I want to be the Pope of Romezbeckystan". "There are three commandments I would get rid of...ummm, oops" "I can see the Devil from my front yard" My head hurts just writing that.
I'll start believing in God when a meteorite strikes the Conclave. If he/she is unwilling to wipe this scum off the planet, why should I believe. It either means he/she doesn't care about children or there is no God.
Jake, simmer down. That much hate isn't good for you. I would settle for the flue being backed up and the white smoke coming back and smoking the cardinals out. ROFLMAO
The Polytheistic Catholic Church. Worth billions shared amongst a select elite that live like kings on money that should go to poor and starving children . Commandment 2 of 10: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images. Unless you are Catholic and then Saint Christopher, Saint Joseph, Mary, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Jerome, the Pope.....these are ALL OK for graven images. The popes of the past are like a history’s most wanted list for global mayhem and mass murder. The Crusades, The Inquisition, Conquistadors invasion, conquest, rape, pillage and genocide of the indigenous peoples of the Americas are but a few good examples. Between 500-1900 AD the numbers of innocent dead due to activities directed, attended, and condoned by Catholic priests are in the double digit millions. The popes of history have denied proven science over and over and again and even locked up Galileo for life because he said that the sun was the center of our solar system. Add the continued rapes and ritualistic abuse of innocent children around the world by adorned catholic cardinals, bishops and priests and the system wide cover up from the pope on down. How people can continue to follow such an obviously evil cult is beyond comprehension. Abolish Catholicism now for the good of humanity and the planet.
Ben - thanks for letting us know how unbelievers feel.
You can choose to feel that way.
We can choose to follow the faith of the Catholic CHurch. You can go youor way and we will go ours.
We do not follow the Priests, they are servants. What they choose to do they will answer to God for. They do not answer to you. If they lead their flocks to a holier life - they will answer to God for that.
If they do unholy things,they will answer to God for that.
Stop trying to make the Catholic CHurch fit your idea of what life ia all about. You just may be wrong.
I put a dollar bet on long shot candidate Pete Rose, which is ironic on several levels. But I look at this way... He already dresses flamboyantly, is comfortable is red and the rose is symbolic of the Virgin Mary.
Ouellet sounds like he would be better than most for the job. The problem is that the task of cleaning up the Church will require major reforms. I don't know if anyone will have a mandate to do that, given the conservative leanings of the conclave. See rationalexaminer.com for why the Church is misguided.
Secretariat Cardinal Bartone
Is this a race horse's name?
Suds, nope, it's too long. AFAIK it has to be 16 letters or less. It could, however, be a sex act.
Jerry Sandusky could do it better.
How many languages can he say the phrase, "Any member of the clergy who knows about any kind of abuse must report it to the secular authorities immediately. If they do not, they are execommunicated." If the answer is more than zero, they are qualified.
The popes of the past are like a history’s most wanted list for global mayhem and mass murder. The Crusades, The Inquisition, Conquistadors invasion, conquest, rape, pillage and genocide of the indigenous peoples of the Americas are but a few good examples. Between 500-1900 AD the numbers of innocent dead due to activities directed, attended, and condoned by Catholic priests are in the double digit millions. The popes of history have denied proven science over and over and again and even locked up Galileo for life because he said that the sun was the center of our solar system. Add the continued rapes and ritualistic abuse of innocent children around the world by adorned catholic cardinals, bishops and priests and the system wide cover up from the pope on down. How people can continue to follow such an obviously evil cult is beyond comprehension. Abolish Catholicism now for the good of humanity and the planet.The Polytheistic Catholic Church. Worth billions shared amongst a select elite that live like kings on money that should go to poor and starving children . Commandment 2 of 10: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images. Unless you are Catholic and then Saint Christopher, Saint Joseph, Mary, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Jerome, the Pope.....these are ALL OK for graven images.
Idiot. Catholics do not worship these "graven images". Catholics use their relationships to dead relatives and saints from an honor perspective to emulate their lives more closely to these holy people. Graven images are unholy images of false gods. If you are going to gripe, at least know what the hell you are talking about. And way to use examples from 1,500 years ago. I think they had indentured servitude, debtors prison, and many other social injustices then.
Thank you for a great answer.
Does anyone "worship" the pictures of their family?? Straw argument folks.
Ben -
Your argument is based on YOUR understanding of history.
The Inquisition - for one example - set up the modern court system. Prior to the Inquisition?? The King told you what you got - end of your "legal" case. Afterward, there was the implementation of evidence and other legal means to try to win the case. Of course, the King still had the final word, but at least the start of the modern court system was introduced by ---- the Inquisition. Sorry to bum your poor edition of history as you see it.
As for graven images - age old folly of a straw argument. Catholics do not "worship" the Saints. We ask for their prayers. Sure. We ask for them to help us understand God's Will so we can abide by it more closely, etc., etc., etc.
As for your bad math about the "millions" killed by Popes. A littler hyperbole can be good, but your mistaken math is grossly off the charts.
Consider this - Schindler got a movie made about his 70 thousand he saved from Hitler. Yet, the Pope is blasphemed about his abuses of the Jews during WWII. Abuse? Recent discoveries in national archives have found that - CONSERVATIVE estimates state the Pope had a hand in saving (directly and indirectly) over 300,000 Jews from Hitler's insanity. Wow. I am sure the wonderfully biased USA media will not let us hear about THAT truth. No. No. No. Obama is God and God is not real. Thanks USA media.
Ben,
All of the events or incident you mentioned (crusades, inquisition, etc.) are very complex, historical events. In my studies, I have found that many of these events have been woefully misrepresented, and deserve more thorough research. It would be unwise to label them all as entirely horrible events perpetrated solely by the Catholic Church.
I am not convinced that abolishing the Catholic Church would be beneficial to humanity or the planet. I have studied the Church, her teachings and her impact on world history. It is far from being an “obviously evil cult” as you had written. The “Church” has not murdered tens of millions of people (though Catholics have been involved in many atrocities; God have mercy on their souls). Catholics do not worship graven images. These images are used as reminders of the Christlike lives of the saint and martyrs. These images can remind the believer of his or her Christian duties; to take up the cross and follow Our Lord in a life of sacrifice and prayer.
On the surface, this guy seems like he would be a good pope. Canada has traditional middle of the road values (unlike the ultra-conservative Benedict). At least he is not a member of Hitler youth!
Traditional Catholicism,
The Inquisition - set up the modern court system? I never heard that before but could be. It will never justify the actions of the Inquisition, however, whose purpose was to impose the Inquisitor's own values and beliefs on others and torture/kill those who refused to deny their free will (wasn't that a primary gift from God?) and submit to their torturers. We call that Terrorism today.
As for graven images - Catholics may not "worship" the Saints or their graven images but some come very close and some cross the line. How do the "faithful" dispose of those icons? Traditional Catholicism (of which I am a product) always taught a blessed object is sacred and cannot be thrown out. Maybe not technically true but the general perception in the rank-and-file Catholics is you value and cherish any icon that was ever blessed or you land in Hell.
"Millions" killed by Popes? In the past 1700 years? I'm bettin'.
Your last point mentions how the Pope had a hand in saving 300,000 Jews during the Nazi Regime. I wouldn't be surprised. I think he is a good man and tries to make this a world that honors God. But I don't agree with a lot that he and his judge to be the path to the ultimate Truth. I still respect him. But I am betting that he doesn't respect me if I disagree. Or maybe he does and he is quitting because he, too, has had his fill.
#14.3 - Tue Mar 5, 2013 4:54 PM EST
Ah but being Pope would give him a new batch of 8 year old boys aye!!
The leaders of the Catholic Church are done. They have lost the support of most rational people (mostly women) in their beliefs. These old men need to rethink what they are and what they have become in the eyes of the world. Times have certainly changed and if they think they're influence is consequential they have another thing coming. It's a new world and they're hypocrisy is outdated...let's all say goodbye to their b.s.
We can all find inspiration in the teachings of Pastor Rod Flash of the Powerhouse Church of the Presumptuous Assumption of the Blinding Light.