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Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet makes his way to Vatican City on Monday. Security is tight ahead of the papal conclave, which is due to begin Tuesday.
ROME — Jamming devices to halt communication were installed at the Vatican on Monday, as part of a security lockdown ahead of the papal conclave.
The behind-the-scenes ballot process is supposed to remain a secret, but modern technology left Roman Catholic Church officials taking no chances.
Staff working alongside the cardinals voting inside the Sistine Chapel must swear an oath of secrecy.
"I expect they’ll be on a total lockdown," NBC News' Vatican analyst George Weigel said. "Security is tight. It’s got to be."
Jamming devices will be used at the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican and the nearby guest residences at Santa Marta where cardinals will sleep during the conclave, officials told reporters on Friday.
After a weekend celebrating mass at their assigned parishes across Rome, all 115 cardinals are preparing to file into the Sistine Chapel tomorrow to begin the selection of the next pope. NBC's Lester Holt reports.
The move will ensure cardinals cannot communicate with the outside world or use social media. It will also prevent hidden microphones from picking up the discussions.
Any cardinals or Vatican workers –- such as those serving food in Santa Marta – breaching the code face excommunication from the church.
"Even who said, 'pass the salt' is a secret," wrote Sister Mary Ann Walsh, media relations director for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in a blog post. "In this electronic age, I worry some cardinals may go into iPad and Twitter withdrawal."
To prevent any contact with the outside world, cardinals will also be taken the 750 yards from Santa Marta to the Sistine Chapel by bus.
"The Vatican highly prizes the traditional Conclave secrecy — even more so after the leaks scandal that have plagued it in the past months," said Alessandro Speciale, Vatican correspondent for Religion News Service. "Most of the jamming measures were already in use in 2005, but of course, back then there were no smartphones and iPads. While cardinals will probably take their commitment to secrecy seriously, some of them are avid [Tweeters] and bloggers, and they might risk going into internet withdrawal if the conclave drags on too long."
Weigel added: "It would be difficult for anyone to use a cellphone, even out of sight. With 115 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, space is tight and it would be obvious if anyone was checking their phone."
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The pope delivers his final audience in St. Peter's Square as he prepares to stand down.
Related:
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Are cardinals electing the last pope? If you believe Nostradamus ...
Leave a Comment:
So the jamming isn't just for the lowly workers who serve their food but also to prevent leaks from the Cardinals themselves?! Oh, my. Why, are they not trustworthy?
Why is this technology not being used in our prisons??
Breezie....My thoughts exactly ! Well, I guess we ALL know the answer to that one anyway !
White Smoke.....Black smoke........isn't there an APP for that ?
Are the cell phones the only things that the Cardinals have jammed?
Do you mean besides a few young boys?
The reasons they really had to lock down the phones was so none of them could call for a boy to come "help" them, couldn't "sext" or watch porn!
Dangit FLA!
My comment was... but how ... but how will they get their porn now?
Why is this technology not being used in automobiles?
Man, these dudes with those big hats sure have lots to hide......
MM,
So, what is the answer?
Cars are private property. You're welcome to install in your own vehicle though. Hope you never have to call 911, or a tow truck, or call for directions, or to let someone know you're running late though.
The real reason is to prevent chair boys from calling for help.
They jam the phones to keep GOD from calling in his pick for the seat.
It's been 500 years of well kept secret horror and other acts by the Vatican. As history reported Pope Leo X Medici was the last Pope exposed for sex crimes. The Vatican once richer then Nations of the World had a system that worked and power to assure those secrets were kept. Pope Leo X reigned in 1513 as quickly the door shut on the Vatican. 2012 a butler with documents of proof exposed the action/conduct/horror of secrets while leading Cardinal Benedict protected the Priest from the law. Benedict rose to be Pope and he saw the secrets come out. To save the Church Benedict resigned in hope of a new Pope would take attention away from the horror exposed. Pope Benedict tell the faithful that Jesus was asleep while these abuses took place and prayed he would protect the church.
Surely such a fine, open organization is worthy or its follower's blind faith ...*sigh*
So once again the church of pedophilia goes through this meaningless process of electing an absolute dictator. The church should be abolished and the cardinals, bishops, and priests jailed.
To answer a few questions of the questions above, like why are jammers not in prisons, or used in cars; they are illegal. Of course, that does not mean they are not out there being used illegally.
There is even a jammer tip line.
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/jammer-enforcement
http://www.fcc.gov/document/tip-line-encourages-public-participation-fight-against-jammers
Kevin C-752389
Now that you mention it, I remember a story not too long ago where a guy brought one on the bus because he was tired of listening to other people's conversations. I believe he faced some penalty for it.
What a bunch of hocus-pocus, superstitions and meaningless 6th century ritual.
Exactly. Why all the secrecy? No one should even care.
And yet many do, Charlie and KC-2698949. Millions, in fact, if not billions (said like Carl Sagan).
As for an app for White Smoke or Black Smoke, there actually is! A free app called Pope Alarm. Check it out.
Oh, just pick a new pedophile already. Nobody cares.
Was thinking that myself. What does that say about their group if they cannot even trust them? Don't they take vows? and yet they don't trust them to keep their mouths shut? You all know they are sitting in there watching cable, eating pizza, drinking beer and know ahead of time who the next in line is!! they just need to make us think this is a big deal and that they think long and hard about it, excuse my language.
I can certainly appreciate the desire and even possibly the need for security with communication, BUT the threat of EXCOMMUNICATION for breach of this security is one stark example of the Roman Catholic Church still living in the "Dark Ages"! The church wants its own members and members of Christianity, in general, to trust them, but they then revert to threats to intimidate. This is NOT a good way to endear people to your institution!
You can't be too careful when you are discussing the details of a scam that fleeces over a billion devoted followers and operates the worlds largest pedophile protection network, all the while maintaining tax-exempt status.
Just like god supposedly wants you to believe in him and love him or he will condemn your soul to burn in hell for eternity. Such threats are the cornerstone of western religion.
dan42day - - Very well said but I do not think this is only applicable to to "Western" religions. Right off the top of my head "sharia law" comes to mind.
"The behind-the-scenes ballot process is supposed to remain a secret, but modern technology left Roman Catholic Church officials taking no chances.!!!"
One Church.. against all odds, with no one to turn to, they must turn to the last place they'd look, to Jesus christ!
Now playing from /mirimax: PAPAL CONCLAVE III, The POPE STRIKES BACK!
These clowns have to be locked in...and phones jambed etc....and these are the people that are to be trusted? The holiest of holys.....If they can't be trusted not to break these simple rules....how the hell do they have the right to sit in judgement to hear confessions and to give advice to others on how they are supposed to live without breaking the 15 commandments....OOOpppss...#**+#%% Crash.......uh ...errr...10 commandments?
Installing cell-jammers and threatening exile from their cult raises a field of red flags. What are they hiding in such a paranoid fashion?
Hello folks, only the corrupt corporate owned presstitutes would continue to post inane wall to wall stories of the pedophile conclave occurring a half a world away. The sad fact for the Vatican Corporation is that their hold on humanity has ended. A majority of people have intellectually evolved beyond the control mechanism that is religion.
The people of the world have grown tired of the corrupt institutions that have enslaved them and are now rising up and shedding the chains of bondage and subjugation.
Those that are willing to give up their personal power to mortal men in the belief that their blind obedience will gain them salvation have every right to do so but have no right to pass it off on others as fact or reality.
Catholic and secrecy seem to be synonymous these days.
If the Vatican can jam cellphones from withing, the automakers can jam cellphones inside vehicles.
HINT !!!!
You gotta love the BS HYPOCRISY of the Vatican! This is an insitution that constantly rebuff and rebuked science yet uses technology for it's own dirty deeds. Galileo is probably rolling over in his grave right about now! Can you hear me now Galileo?
That speaks volumes about the integrity of the leadership of the catholic church.
. . . along with vows regarding chastity and poverty.
Desert Bill,
Maybe they just want to know the news?
keeter,
Most do not take vows of poverty. How many have broken the vow of chastity?
What you do not like about the Catholic Church is what you THINK that you know...but are wrong.
NC, what the catholic church doesn't know is the non-catholics are tired of hearing all about the pope and what the pope says or does all the time.
"And you should not call yourselves 'Father', in the earth, for one is your Father who is in Heaven," Matthew 23:9
"Thou shall make no graven images of me." from The Ten Commandments. That means, "don't build and worship sculptures of me" (like the catholics do).
Correction, it says, "make no graven image of anything that is in Heaven..."
I wonder if they can keep their dicks under their skirts long enough to finish the conclave. There'll be altar boys waiting for them when they finish.
God is no where near this place!
What a bunch of hypocrites!!!
"child molesters!!!"
perverts!
Sorry CAT-holics!
Definitely hypocrites and greedy. Worth, what was said last week 8 billion?? what about take care of their flocks....so many people in the world who need food shelter. It doesn't mean give them millions, but help them to survive, immunizations for 3rd world countries, teach them to be self sufficient. do something besides hog all that money. What is their purpose besides to tell people what they can and cannot do?
Even is NONE of the scandals ever happened it's still bunch of hocus-pocus, superstitions and meaningless 6th century ritual.
now just how the hell do we order out for beer and babes oops boys
No, the policy simply accepts their human nature...nothing to see here.
Breezie, after all the garbage that's happened in that church during the last 2000 years, do you really think that Cardinals are any more trustworthy than any cat burglar? I don't trust anyone in that church, in fact trust few in the clergy. There are many that are totally trustworthy and truly believe, but what's the percentage that isn't? And if you think 2000 years is a misprint, check its history, from Peter to Benedict.
If the Catholic don't trust their 'Princes" exactly why should we?
jackieboy.... let's see... the Catholic Church has had problems in the past two thousand years. But I am really tired of the broad brush. 4% of priests between 1950 and 2010 (latest study) were accused of sexual improprieties. That is 4% too many, but much less that the general male population. And those are accusations only. 10% of Protestant Ministers have been accused. Do you care? Do you care that the Catholic Church is one of the leading forces for good in the world; operating over 600 non-profit hospitals in this country alone, never mind the countless hospitals, clinics and outreach in the rest of the world. Catholic charities are right now feeding millions of people worldwide. In the US, the Church runs more than 600,000 soup kitchens and stocks more than 2 million food banks and pantries. The Church provides temporary shelter for countless children and families, battered women, senior citizens and others. The Catholic Church is an enormous positive force in the world. Imperfect, yes... but for heaven's sake, be evenhanded!
Somehow I doubt that the 4% of the general population were sodomozing young boys. Denial will get you nowhere. These horrific acts are result of the celibacy oath and the need of an adult male to spill his seed. And this didn't just start in the 50's!
Celibacy is unnatural and thus drives those who attempt it to madness or to find an alternate repository other than a woman whom they are taught are evil temptresses. Why would God give you equipment and then tell you not to use it?
4% of priests between 1950 and 2010 (latest study) were accused of sexual improprieties. That is 4% too many, but much less that the general male population. And those are accusations only
Cmon now lets not spin this into a non factor. 1% is too high since the church preaches that no one will become a priest unless there is a divine calling for them to become one which if you believe that mumbo jumbo means that on their god can all a person to become a priest and all other not called will not make it. Second that percentage you quoted is wrong as most of the cases were handled without prosecution and covered up by the Church! Get a life there is no reason at all to make light of this bad news for this Church.
Don't some teach that masturbation will result in the same outcome? Rosanne Rosanadana was right ~ "Its always something!!!"
Sequentes Christos Command non est onus, dissimiles Ecclesiae, qui verrit Mafia incorruptumque decennia Púerum abusus, sub tapete apostolica hypocrisis?
Following Christs Command as head of Church from HOLY BIBLE ,is not a burden ,unlike the Church who sweeps mafia corruption for decades of Child abuses, under the carpet with papal Hypocrisy?
@ Hoolie7. Non profit my azz. You mean the number at the end of the day equals zero. The profits were skimmed. Anyone that has been near a Catholic hospital knows how non profit they are.
I'm sure that "the Church" does good works but at the end of the day the Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon and Baptist churches all have more money in the bank than many countries on earth and that wealth should be taxed just like my wages are...
@Lucinda-1930121
Exactly. The messiahs of all the world religions espoused equality and justice under God. The average citizens of the world are not only paying for these churches existence, but also paying their share of property and income taxes, and that is not equal nor just. I don't have a problem with anyone who wants to have a church to go to, but I definitely believe they should pay taxes on the property and the income, too.
Thank you Hoolie...too many people focusing on the few that are bad, and they say nothing of the millions that are good. They call them selves experts on the issue, and claim to have a morally superior high ground, but that's all a show. The Catholic church is nothing more than a subsection of humanity, where all behaviors are represented. Most are good, but a few bad seeds are mixed in.....you people really need to calm down some.
With the cardinals' cell phones jammed, traffic on Grindr and Growlr should be pretty slow during the conclave.
Considering True Catholicism is primarily a "Third World" problem these days, the so-called Holy See really has little to fear from followers who can't rub two sticks together let alone operate a smart-phone.
The currency of the Catholic Church is ignorance and poverty.
"The currency of the Catholic Church is ignorance and poverty."
That's true of organizes religion across the board.
Fair enough though few faiths have the scope and history of wreckage as does this one.
Wow, that's the same currency of the Democrat party....who knew.
Some of these guys must act like teenagers with these phones. "Did U see what Cardnl Billy ws wearing! OMG, like wht a spazz LOL!!!!!! See U latr".
that's funny! Thanks for the laugh!
Based on the reported ages of some of them, this is NOT the demographic to use any type of hi-tech communication/information devices. I recall when Benedict XVI sent his first tweet, it made global news. This bunch is not too much younger than him.
I am actually laughing, too! Good one, Robert.
Observing2, you'd be surprised how many Cardinals are tech-savvy. Cardinal Tagle from Manila, for example, is quite good. For Americans, Cardinals Dolan and O'Malley are regulars on Twitter.
Finally, some good quality humor about the situation....tired of all the hate and crude jokes. Thx.
A Pope is a priest, a leader of the church. The Catholic church tries to be a symbol of hope and social justice, it has failures just as any other organization does and it needs introspection. Faith is that someone will be elected to lead the church who can bring transparency, honesty and compassion to the victims of the abuse scandal and to recognize that the earthly belongings of the church are irrelevant to a greater mission of spirituality, a faith in God and our dedication to each other as human beings. There are men and women in the Catholic church of such faith, but the idea that the Cardinals are electing one of them has always seemed foreign to me. Jesus was not a Cardinal, he was a carpenter, a lay person, why would not the next Pope be any different?
C.E.... the rules of the Church do not preclude any Catholic male in good standing from being elected Pope. You do not have to be a cardinal, and there have been Popes who were not. Having said that, it is doubtful that another one will be elected as the cardinals voting will take one of their own... path of least resistance. My father tells me that he will continue to wait by the phone, however. ;)
Transparency?
What part of "stop holding press conferences," and "oh, by the way, we're jamming your electronic devices," leads you to have any hope that this particular hierarchy wants transparency?
The Catholic Church hasn't been a symbol of hope and social justice. It leads the world religions in unparalleled oppression and discrimination and child rape.
If you want transparency, then open the archives. It will either heal or kill that "church".
It also leads the world's religions in assistance to the needy.....you failed to mention that one, why? Did it not fit your biased and hatefull speech?
How much charity does it take to make the rape of one child OK?
Why, oh why, do the inner workings of the Catholic Church continue to be front page news?
Because there are over a billion Catholics in the world. Try not to be so provincial. And don't read articles that aren't interesting. You'll have a lot less stress that way.
Because if they weren't posting crap like this, perhaps they would have to do actual investigative journalism. You know, the kind that shows how corrupt Washington is? Oh, but that would make the Obama administration look bad. Can't have that.
Ranman, you don't have to like President Obama, but he is our President. The first to be elected twice with more than 51% of the popular vote since Eisenhower. Dislike Obama all you like but respect the Office. I don't Paul Ryan or Rand Paul, but respect the fact they are elected by the people of their districts and states.
Now go troll some other site.
Because people like you and the rest of the anti-religion trolls keep reading and posting about it. If you don't like a topic go to one of the 50 other ones and stop complaining.
Why is this important, to Americans?
78.2 million
Self-identified Catholics in America, about a quarter of the country's population (Georgetown University, 2012).
About 2 million
Number of children in Catholic schools in the U.S. (Georgetown University, 2012).
83 percent
American Catholics satisfied with nuns and sisters (Pew, November 2012).
82 percent
American Catholics who said birth control was "morally acceptable" (Gallup, May 2012).
74 percent
American Catholics satisfied with Pope Benedict XVI (Pew, November 2012).
63 percent
White American Catholics who support repealing the ban against gays joining the Boy Scouts of America (Quinnipiac University, February 2013).
62 percent
American Catholics who favor stricter gun laws (Public Religion Research Institute, August 2012).
@ jackieboy - it may have been 51% of the popular vote, but it certainly wasn't 51% of the intelligent vote. Doesn't say much for our country, does it? (Let alone that 51%'s morals aren't much better since they are good with voting for President who lied about Benghazi.)
Ranman86ed,
You are an idiot who doesn't know your facts ... and probably a Faux News viewer to stupid to know that most of the anchors on their air, that you idolize are Roman Catholics too. Fool.
willowbrook - go and peddle your crap elsewhere. Leave it to the trolls to bring up the POTUS on each and every topic whether it has anything remotely to do with him or not.
Truth hurts doesn't it Observing2? I didn't bring it up, Ranman did and he is totally correct. I find it incredibly disappointing we have over coverage on topics like this, and a desert wasteland when it comes to reporting the TRUTH of what's going on in Washington.
For that matter, what about all the trolls on this thread deflecting constantly from the topic of the article so they can rake the Church over the coals, usually about pedophiles. It is going on even in this article. Which BTW, is showing us what lengths we have to go to to keep Conclave private due to smart phones and Social Media, in case you forgot.
P.S. I'm not Catholic, but I'm sick to death of the anti-religious on these threads. Their ignorance is also incredibly disappointing. If you don't believe, fine. Don't make up crap to justify your belief or put others down.
Because the inner workings expose the dirty under ware.
@ Willowbrook. Where was all your wisdom when the last guy started a war with the wrong damned country?
Willowbrook, every religion today is based on myth. I, for one, resent the "christian/catholic right" continually insinuating that if you don't belong to a organized religion, you can't possibly have any morals. Judge not etc. etc.
Lucinda, what, are you 100 years old? The modern church makes no such correlations....it's all in your mind. You need to thicken your skin, and get a hearing aid.
aginn - everyone agreed to start that war, not just the President. And if you talk to those who have been there, you would change your tune.
Give the dopes a pope-soap-on-a-rope.
Pope at the end of a rope wouldn't be as clean but would be far more satisfactory.
Superstition and ceremony meets the 21st century.
The Catholic church and many others are all founded on paganism. This is just the modern form of taking your money so some can live like wealthy people do.
their number one interest: "...of gold and silver..."
their last interest: "...souls of men."
Read Revelation 18:12-13!
Texting while praying ? What is the penalty ? I guess they just get transferred to another Cathedral.
The Cardinals can't be trusted to not leak information? That's says a great deal.
And yet there are sheep that will continue to follow them blindly.
Not a sheep Cappy.... I have two Master's degrees. I do have faith however. I would not disparage your beliefs (well, unless you were a Scientologist...) so there is no need for you to disparage mine.
Having a masters degree does not guarantee you are smart enough to not be fooled by the oldest con game in the world ...organized religion.
Giantego - your login pretty much sums you up. Disparaging individuals who are educated and have faith; pretty lame. Here's something to do this afternoon - look up the definition of respect and then do some thinking on what that means.
If their followers are not sheep, then why aren't they demanding some accountability and justice from these perps? There should be an advanced degree program that teaches people how to recognize brainwashing.
Nothing personal, Hooley7, I'm sure you're a great guy. But advanced degrees or not, blind adherance to anything with not the slightest bit of evidence or doubt, makes you a sheep in my book.
Cappy, I agree, but.......blind adherance to the faith in NO God is equally as disturbing.
The truth is that all people should leave no stone unturned in the search for their own truth. You suggest that Hoolie has not done their due dilligence, but you really don't know, and continue your attacks. Their request to not be attacked should be accepted in a civilized debate. Are you capable of that? If not, it certainly appears as though Hoolies source of wisdom may be better than yours. Match point, Hoolie.
Personally, I do not have Hoolie's control, and view your narrow minded assumptions as just that, narrow minded. Until you expand your knowledge, you will remain the lesser person in any debate.
So even more secrets...What are you trying to hide?
I would love to be a fly on the wall and listen in on all the stuff they discuss.
It would have to be so boring.
Papal Conclave: older Cardinals’ weak bladders require installation of portable Vati-Cans
Why doesn't god just take their phones away? Oh wait, he's been sleeping.
God, I hope that was not an attempt at humor.
looks like they won't be able to call 1-800-lil-boyz
Does not matter a bit who they elect or when the election is made public; with a living Pope already here whoever is elected will be a false pope.
You are obviously not a well read Catholic. There are contingencies made for this type of succession.
Church states that they want no outside influences on the Cardinals. Prayers and communications with God have been expressly forbidden and are being scrambled by incessant broadcast of backwards Lord's Prayer....
They provide them with tinfoil to line their scull caps with
A priest and a rabbi were walking in the woods when they came across a little boy. The priest said "look, a little boy, lets f**k him. The rabbi said "out of what"?
So wrong, and yet it made me laugh. :o)
LOL!!!!
I'll tell that one to a muslim when i meet one.
Love it, a twist on the one with a layman, a lawyer and a Catholic priest. An altar boy in the water was involved too.
Sorry, folks ~ I just simply cannot fathom how grown men of considerable intellect and education can participate in such ritualistic nonsense. But I'm not Roman Catholic, therefore I am not blessed with such insight into these matters. Moreover, seem that these crusty old men who have taken a vow of poverty are living a reasonably plush life at the expense of several million believers who never took such an oath but live in poverty anyway ~ not of their choice, however.
WELL PUT!!!!
You know you just described the Democrat party, right? ....rich people taking money from the poor who continue to keep them in power....
Watching Jansing and Co. gushing over the whole process, everyone with big smiles on their faces and acting like all is good in the church and oh, how wonderful and joyful and exciting everything is. All I can feel is a sickening outrage at this BS and I've never even been abused by the church! I can only try to imagine the sickening outrage those who HAVE been abused must feel. How can the media act this way with all the well-known coverups, all the abusers who have escaped unscathed even after personally abusing children for decades? Have we all lost our collective minds?? This whole charade is completely OUTRAGEOUS! We need to start a worldwide protest and demand that the vatican be put under military control by a contingent of every decent nation on earth, all records and writings seized and every single high ranking vatican official interrogated in the most stringent and aggresive way allowed by international law. Enough is enough, no more "secrets." What the hell is WRONG with us?
Waterboard Benedict.
Is there a decent nation on this earth?
Perhaps the mind that has been lost is your own. This is not overlooking any problems the Church has - perhaps this is the beginning of genuine reforms where reforms are needed.
@benedictineacc Do we really need all the voodoo ?
It's beyond me who would give this bunch a thin dime of their money. What a bunch of phony old farts. It's really hard to talk about them without a bunch of expletives.
My collection money goes to my parish, and once a year I give to my bishop who uses the money to help others in the diocese. I see accountability with their tax statements and finane reports, which are given to me and to any Catholic upon request.
Shows what you know, Millie. Unless you have irrefutable evidence to show corruption in my parish or diocese, you need to stop being judgmental.
I would bet the parishioners at the Catholic church in Florence, Oregon would disagree with you benedictineacc. They were saving money for a new church and that money was held by an archdiocese that declared bankruptcy rather than settle abuse claims. They lost their new church fund according to what I read. I would like to be wrong about that, but if I am, the media is to blame.
I am not against the church members, but the leaders of the church sure haven't shown much devine guidance in a very long time.
@benedictineacc Did the church really need my poor family's money ? Did the church truly have no time for me and my problems after all the years my family contributed ? I would not be bitter had I never suffered the exploitation and bigotry of catholic school and the church. To this day, I cringe at the sight of a costume and the barking of dogma. Do we really need all the voodoo ?
It's to keep their young victims from calling for help.
catholic jamming device...why does my mind wander to the baser elements here? On the other hand, the right hand of "god" is being chosen by a bunch of un-trustworthy pbof's?
I'm sorry, but why do people care so much about this?
I have seen some truly ignorant posts over the years on a variety of subjects but many of you have just proven yourselves real prize winners.
First, NCAN, according to canonical law the Pope may resign if he feels that he is no longer up to the task. He does not have to die. His successor is the true Pope, not a false claimant to the chair of St. Peter.
For most of the rest of you, I am as disgusted by what has been happening with the sexual scandals as anyone, but I do remember that these are human beings just like you and I, with human weaknesses. The security is not just for the Cardinals but for their staff, external staff and bugs.
The only one involved in the catholic (small 'c' intentional) church who could make a claim to almost perfection was Jesus the Christ; even he had some human weaknesses that he struggled against. The word "catholic" with a lower-case 'c' means Universal; "Catholic" with an upper-case 'C' is the religion.
Does he become Pope Emeritus, Benedictus Es, Ratzinger Restored ~ by what name shall we call him? Surely he can't return to cardinal status after having worn the red shoes. Questions. So many questions. Does he get the Vatican equivalent of Secret Service protection, or does God handle that task Himself? Must be tough to give up those Vatican guards all dressed up in their Mardi Gras clown suits. And what's with this white smoke-black smoke business? Don't they know that it is much more biblical to announce the selection with a blast from a ram's horn?
The Swiss Guard uniforms are ceremonial from the 16th century. The normal uniform is suit and tie, like the U.S. Secret Service. The Pope actually holds the status of Priest, Monsignor, Bishop, Cardinal and Pope; it's one of those things that you don't give up one status when you attain a new one, so it wouldn't be where he would 'return' to Cardinal Ratzinger. I believe he has chosen "His Eminence Benedict XVI". "Eminence" would indicate simple Bishop. BTW, the Pope's official title is, 'His Holiness, Pope ?, Bishop of Rome".
T Riley, I think most of us understand that priests are human being with flaws. It is the way the church handled these charges that caught my attention. Those priests who molested children should be in a churchy jail, not another church across country where they are free to do the same thing. Just saying.....