NationStates Jolt Archive

White smoke out of the chimney and ringing bells... Guess we'll have to wait and see...

*stares intently at his booky's ticket*

C'mon, Daddy needs a new rosary...

heh...and at lunch the woman on the BBC was saying they most likely wouldnt elect one after so few ballots. what does she know, eh?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4462077.stm

¬.¬

Wasn't expecting it to be this quick.

But who?

You put that there as soon as you received the alert didnt you :D... too quick for me i popped downstairs to tell my mother first.

I hope it is the African candidate. There will be a slew of disgruntled nazis and white supremists.

That was fast :O

Did they have the guts to elect a black pope?
Bet you, no.

I hope it's the Nigerian guy. Or me. Either one of those two would work.

I hope it is the African candidate. There will be a slew of disgruntled nazis and white supremists.
Agreed, I was going for him from Day 1.

You put that there as soon as you received the alert didnt you :D... too quick for me i popped downstairs to tell my mother first.
Haha, I did the same thing.

Well that was quick. Wonder which of the old farts got chosen.

Since it took so few votes, I'm betting Cardinal Ratzinger.

I hope it's the Nigerian guy. Or me. Either one of those two would work.

I hope not. I here he is a awefully authoritarian and conservative.

I think it is Ratzinger (sp), but out of the lot, the Hoduran cardinal seems the best.

You put that there as soon as you received the alert didnt you ... too quick for me i popped downstairs to tell my mother first.

Yeah, I'm the only person in the flat at the moment so the internet was my first call :p

(Odd that all my Catholic friends on MSN are all online at the moment :confused: )

NBC News: NEW POPE! they will Announce his name soon!

My favourite would be one of those South American cardinals. Can't remember the names. Rather young though, too young I'm afraid

edit: Rodrigues Maradiaga. has campaigned for Third world debt relief etc, speaks 8 languages, plays piano and can fly planes.

Did they have the guts to elect a black pope?
Bet you, no.

They did once but that was like 1000 years ago and it is not like they are conservative they changed from an italian for the first 400 years or so last time :)

I'm not Catholic so I don't really care. Might as well be the new leader of Norway.

Since it took so few votes, I'm betting Cardinal Ratzinger.
That's the popular choice but I want the African candidate to be elected.

Oh... boy...

I hope not. I here he is a awefully authoritarian and conservative.

I think it is Ratzinger (sp), but out of the lot, the Hoduran cardinal seems the best.



Yeah, I'm the only person in the flat at the moment so the internet was my first call :p

Sly Devil :D.

I'm rooting for Rufus Wainwright but he seems to be out of the running inexplicably. :)

This aside, i hope its a South American or Central Asian one, a good and liberal one at that.

I hope not. I here he is a awefully authoritarian and conservative.

I think it is Ratzinger (sp), but out of the lot, the Hoduran cardinal seems the best.



Yeah, I'm the only person in the flat at the moment so the internet was my first call :p

(Odd that all my Catholic friends on MSN are all online at the moment :confused: )
Ratzinger is extremely conservative too. In fact the organ of the Catholic church he heads up was once the department responsible for the Inquisition.

Hey mods, congratulations on a quick, successful merge.

Since it took so few votes, I'm betting Cardinal Ratzinger.
Wasn't he the one with nazi-background?

Ratzinger is extremely conservative too. In fact the organ of the Catholic church he heads up was once the department responsible for the Inquisition.

Goddamn, he is old.

Black pope would bring Africa deeper into the fangs of the Catholic church, it's bad enough already.

I think it'll be another hardliner, some liberal reformer won't get enough votes from all the other hardliners. I'd say it's Ratzinger.

Some with the Anglican Church, the leader of part of the african anglican church is really anti-liberal, really really anti-liberal, only trouble really is that he's also visiously ambitious he wants the head of the anglican church to be moved from canterbury to somewhere else, by shere co-incidence that other place happens to be where he's bishop, lucky break.

Goddamn, he is old.
Little known fact. Most of the high level hierarchy of the Catholic church is composed of immortal vampires.

Little known fact. Most of the high level hierarchy of the Catholic church is composed of immortal vampires.

Choosing a new pope is obviously great for publicity and the catholic church are desperate so they will probably choose one such that they can do all this soon again

Little known fact. Most of the high level hierarchy of the Catholic church is composed of immortal vampires.
They have an army of Catholic Ninjas... i thought everyone knew.

Ratzinger is extremely conservative too.

I know that, just think he is the most likey.

I know someone who has been rooting for him for the past 3 years. I bet he's over the moon.

In fact the organ of the Catholic church he heads up was once the department responsible for the Inquisition.

What is it about burning people who say the Pater Noster too quickly that bothers people so much?

Wasn't he the one with nazi-background?
He was a gunner. guess it's the 'humble-soldier-only-following-orders' thing that lets him away with that.

It is Ratzinger. OMG. Spare me. I'm no catholic any more, but I'm German.

They're opening the curtains now...

And the winner is...

Ratzinger :o

Papa Benedictus XVI

As Benedict XVI

It's Cardinal Ratzinger from Germany.

And the Oscar goes to... :D

Pope Benedict XVI is Ratzinger Papal name!

It looks like he was one of the most fundamentalist candidates. To me it sounded like some of the crowd booed when they heard the name?

I hope it is the African candidate. There will be a slew of disgruntled nazis and white supremists.
is this kinda statement realy needed

Pope Benedict XVI is Ratzinger Papal name!
Who said otherwise?

At this piont the south american church must be sweating.

Yet another slick thread EDIT there, i like it. Someone up there is watching.

PS. We all know God is actually Daria, it all fits.

Jean Paul II
we love you

Benedictus XVI
don't be mean

?

I wonder what Jack Chick thinks of the choice.

...they just announced on the radio that Ratzinger-Benedict was one in charge of an administrative branch of the church that used to be known as...The Holy Inquisition...

Hope this doesn't portent anything...

I wonder what Jack Chick thinks of the choice.

He thinks Benedict is going to go to hell...

so are you...

and that nasty man from NBC.

Little known fact. Most of the high level hierarchy of the Catholic church is composed of immortal vampires.You're not wrong. Have you seen his picture in the Guardian story (http://www.guardian.co.uk/pope/story/0,12272,1463500,00.html)?

They've gone and elected Mumra the Everliving as Pope. Nice one!

ratzinger fan club has server errors...
so another source of information
http://www.timboucher.com/journal/2005/04/09/cardinal-ratzinger-next-pope-nazi/

I tried to be objective (as if)

At this piont the south american church must be sweating.What - like the English church did when the then Pope wouldn't grant Henry a divorce? ;)

Can't use "Anglican"...how about "West Anglican"? :)

So the new pope is a hardline conservative, extremist fundementalist, ex nazi? Shit, the world is doomed as of this moment.
John Paul?!?! Come back please! We need you here!

Wasn't he the one with nazi-background?
That's misleading. He was drafted into the Luftwaffe during WW2 but later deserted. Sounds to me like his problem was simply that he was born and living in Germany at the wrong time.

Goddamn, he is old.
Ahem! And the problem with that would be???

You should be so lucky! :D

That's misleading. He was drafted into the Luftwaffe during WW2 but later deserted. Sounds to me like his problem was simply that he was born and living in Germany at the wrong time.
Yeah, I just saw some headlines the other day but didn't read the articles. I read some now. And it would certainly be unfair to call him a nazi because he lived in Germany. Very misleading.

Ahem! And the problem with that would be???

You should be so lucky! :D
I bet that his age was one the main reasons why he was chosen. He won't be around too long. He was the oldest of the candidates (77)

Jean Paul II
we love you

Benedictus XVI
don't be mean

?
It doesn't have the same.... swing in it


I guess I will just quote myself as no one else is :)

So the new pope is a hardline conservative, extremist fundementalist, ex nazi?
According to most sources, Ratzinger was considered quite the liberal theologian when he was younger. I suspect there will be some surprises once he gets his feet under him as Benedict XVI.

Calling him a Nazi is a bit of a stretch, wouldn't you say? :(

I bet that his age was one the main reasons why he was chosen. He won't be around too long. He was the oldest of the candidates (77)

78 actually as of 2 days ago.. besides... even more interesting... he's considered rather radical hardline catholic.. a supreme traditionalist when it comes to doctrine.. This shows what the cardinals line of thinking was when they chose him. They arn't looking for change (and I say good move)

78 actually as of 2 days ago.. besides... even more interesting... he's considered rather radical hardline catholic.. a supreme traditionalist when it comes to doctrine.. This shows what the cardinals line of thinking was when they chose him. They arn't looking for change (and I say good move)

Then why the age?

78 actually as of 2 days ago.. besides... even more interesting... he's considered rather radical hardline catholic.. a supreme traditionalist when it comes to doctrine.. This shows what the cardinals line of thinking was when they chose him. They arn't looking for change (and I say good move)
yes, Ratzinger was pretty safe choice. But I do hope that they'd be looking for a change after him.

But hey, you never know. The last pope who was chosen 'cos they thought he wouldn't make any changes, made more changes than almost any other pope in history.

...and in a stunning move, the Catholic Church moves quickly to shoot it's own foot off, thereby buring off all the good will it had built up.

Nice try, but it's not going to fly.

Then why the age?

most likely because he is the safest chioce.. they buy themselves 5 - 10 years (since he is old) and can expect little or no change since he is a traditionalist.

yes, Ratzinger was pretty safe choice. But I do hope that they'd be looking for a change after him.

But hey, you never know. The last pope who was chosen 'cos they thought he wouldn't make any changes, made more changes than almost any other pope in history.

well.. Pope John Paul II was a modernist.. but he instituted few changes doctrine wise.. Even HE was a traditionalist when it came to doctrine.. thats why no gays, no women in clergy, no marriage for clergy, no abortion ...etc.

Which idiot calls Ratzinger a nazi?

You idiots (sorry) writing stuff like that should think before writing such a terrible bullshit.

As if every person in his age coming from Germany would be a nazi!
How idiotic can one be?! :headbang:

Since it took so few votes, I'm betting Cardinal Ratzinger.


You're right on the money. Described as a "hard line guardian of the conservative doctrine".

Too bad for all those hoping to upset the system.

You're right on the money. Described as a "hard line guardian of the conservative doctrine".

Too bad for all those hoping to upset the system.

Thank god to those of us who feared some kind of obsence democratization of the church

Thank god to those of us who feared some kind of obsence democratization of the church


Democratization is good for the state, but certainly not the church.
Isnt that often the cry-to sperate church and state?

Which idiot calls Ratzinger a nazi?

You idiots (sorry) writing stuff like that should think before writing such a terrible bullshit.

As if every person in his age coming from Germany would be a nazi!
How idiotic can one be?! :headbang:
It was me.

And please calm down or you end up looking like an idiot.

I find it intriguing that Cardinal Ratzinger has chosen "Benedict" as his name as Pope. Benedict the First is an unknown quantity to historians. There is almost nothing retained from his Pontificate. The only information we have of consequence is that he struggled against Lombards ( pagans and animists ), who invaded Northern Italy in 568 and eventually most of Italy, effectively surrounding Rome and the Vatican which were under the authority of the Pope.

Perhaps Benedict XVI sees the church as "surrounded" by pagans and barbarians?

Democratization is good for the state, but certainly not the church.
Isnt that often the cry-to sperate church and state?

well not quite.. a democracy can exist while working under a set of given moral code (example laws of the bible/koran/torah) BUT what some liberal catholics are looking for is democracy OF that moral code.. which is the way democracies work today... basically pick and choose which laws we like .. which CANNOT work for religion

well.. Pope John Paul II was a modernist.. but he instituted few changes doctrine wise.. Even HE was a traditionalist when it came to doctrine.. thats why no gays, no women in clergy, no marriage for clergy, no abortion ...etc.
He had modernist ideas about war and Jews. Nothing else. (just like you said)

If he had some other modern ideas, please inform me. I don't know so much about popes. There are only few Catholics in my country.

Rodrigues Maradiaga. has campaigned for Third world debt relief


So did the last Pope as well. And he could speak a lot of languages. And he opposed the Iraq War. But he was a hatefigure for some liberals for maintaining the church's existing stance on sexual morality (which is the same as many non-christian religions teach as well).

If the Nigerian Cardinal had got the job who would have been a "conservative" in the same sense that JP2 was. And, before long, the condemnation of him would have been just as virulent as that of JP2. Ah well.

By the way I gave up Catholicism for atheism a long while back, so take your complaints elsewhere. I'm just irritated by some of the posturing about the last Pope, and who the next one should be.

He had modernist ideas about war and Jews. Nothing else. (just like you said)

If he had some other modern ideas, please inform me. I don't know so much about popes. There are only few Catholics in my country.

he was a moderinist when it came to other faiths... accepting all ideologies of religion making the roman catholic church more open to most faiths... that was a rather large move for the church.. not just the jews but muslims hindus buddists the works

Good choice, if ya ask me :D :eek: :p

He had modernist ideas about war and Jews.


Anti-semitism was condemned as a mortal sin by the Church quite a few centuries ago. In that sense, anti-racism is quite a "traditionalist" position for the Church.

Which idiot calls Ratzinger a nazi?

You idiots (sorry) writing stuff like that should think before writing such a terrible bullshit.

As if every person in his age coming from Germany would be a nazi!
How idiotic can one be?! :headbang:
That may be cos he was a member of Hitler Jugend. Compulsory at the time.

I find it intriguing that Cardinal Ratzinger has chosen "Benedict" as his name as Pope. Benedict the First is an unknown quantity to historians. There is almost nothing retained from his Pontificate. The only information we have of consequence is that he struggled against Lombards ( pagans and animists ), who invaded Northern Italy in 568 and eventually most of Italy, effectively surrounding Rome and the Vatican which were under the authority of the Pope.

Perhaps Benedict XVI sees the church as "surrounded" by pagans and barbarians?

Or maybe something to do with one of the other fourteen popes with that name?

So did the last Pope as well. And he could speak a lot of languages. And he opposed the Iraq War. But he was a hatefigure for some liberals for maintaining the church's existing stance on sexual morality (which is the same as many non-christian religions teach as well).
Well too bad that he's dead.


By the way I gave up Catholicism for atheism a long while back, so take your complaints elsewhere. I'm just irritated by some of the posturing about the last Pope, and who the next one should be.
:confused: I've never been a member of any religion. What that has to do with anything (with this discussion)

He had modernist ideas about war and Jews. Nothing else. (just like you said)

If he had some other modern ideas, please inform me. I don't know so much about popes. There are only few Catholics in my country.

John Paul II also worked to have a dialogue with other religions: that's why clerics of 15 faiths came for the funeral.
He reached out into technology, as well -- constant travels, the impressive Vatican website, Popemobiles....

He also was staunchly against the death penalty and abortion.

Did anyone say Ratzinger refused to work for the nazi's and doing so was enslaved in one of the camps. Of course not. Never trust the press those who does are run-along-with-the-people-idiots in my eyes.

I just say, the man did not even do anything yet, and a lot of people are judging him already. I say give the man a change.

Like they say in the bible the man with no mistakes may throw the first rock...

I hope the past doesn't come bite Ratzinger in the ass. Saying other denominations are inferior to Catholisism must be something he truly regrets now. I refuse to even guess what he thinks of other religions if he frowns upon other Christians.

[my best Yoda voice] The force of Ecumenia isn't particularly strong in this one. [end voice]/

I hope Razinger will be like his namesake Benedictus XV. He was fiercely anti-war, was the first to condemn the Armenian Genocide, donated 1 million lire to feed Russians (i hope lire was stronger then), made calls for peace during WWI etc. .. somewhat of a good guy. For a pope, that is.

Ein Deutscher']Good choice, if ya ask me :D :eek: :p


Good God,man-we agree !!

He was a member of the Hitler Youth, which was compulsory for all boys of a certain age. He eventually deserted. To call him a Nazi is rather an gross hyperbole.

Or maybe something to do with one of the other fourteen popes with that name?
( shrug ) Perhaps. Maybe he will let us all know at some later date why he chose that particular name.

“We are moving towards a dictatorship of relativism, which does not recognize anything as definitive and has as its highest value one’s own ego and one’s own desires.”

- Pope Benedict XVI, in his inaugural mass

( shrug ) Perhaps. Maybe he will let us all know at some later date why he chose that particular name.

The last such Pope was known as Bendict the Enforcer and served during the First World War. His mass prior to the conclave suggests to me that he will be continuing John Paul's staunchly conservative stance, enforcing the Church doctrines and traditions in a period of social upheaval.

( shrug ) Perhaps. Maybe he will let us all know at some later date why he chose that particular name.

I suspect it is to distance himself from JPII... I mean, that's a tough act to follow! If I were made Pope, I certainly wouldn't want to be JPIII so soon...

“We are moving towards a dictatorship of relativism, which does not recognize anything as definitive and has as its highest value one’s own ego and one’s own desires.”

- Pope Benedict XVI, in his inaugural mass
There's a great deal of truth in that statement. "Do your own thing" was the mantra of the hippies from the Vietnam era.

That's misleading. He was drafted into the Luftwaffe during WW2 but later deserted. Sounds to me like his problem was simply that he was born and living in Germany at the wrong time.


If he was in the Luftwaffe, chances are he wasn't a hardcore Nazi, like the men of the Waffen SS, who were. The large majority of Germans during Hitler's reign were not Nazi's. They were forced to believe in the ideals, but did not really agree with them. But congratulations for Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI!

John Paul II also worked to have a dialogue with other religions: that's why clerics of 15 faiths came for the funeral.
He reached out into technology, as well -- constant travels, the impressive Vatican website, Popemobiles....

He also was staunchly against the death penalty and abortion.
Oh yes, Invidentia pointed this out too. (accepting all ideologies) That was a stupid mistake (from me). I did know that...oh well doesn't matter.

But technology? That was something new..interesting. I should read the Time's article about John Paul II. (I will, later in the evening)

popemobiles... :) cool cars

Did anyone say Ratzinger refused to work for the nazi's and doing so was enslaved in one of the camps. Of course not. Never trust the press those who does are run-along-with-the-people-idiots in my eyes.

I just say, the man did not even do anything yet, and a lot of people are judging him already. I say give the man a change.

Like they say in the bible the man with no mistakes may throw the first rock...
But he has done a lot. Just not as a pope.

So is he actually pope?

Pscht, forget about the bloody Nigerian. A German got in, hahaha.. It's been a long time since that.

Wasn't exactly a surprise though. He's a good cardinal.

All Hail Pope Benedict XVI! May he be a great leader and call upon God and Jesus to guide him!

I think Benedict XVI will be a great Pope. He's a hardliner with a kindhearted character. :) :) :D

VIVA IL PAPAVIVA IL PAPA VIVA IL PAPA!!!!!!!!

Guess what, theres a new pope, and well, he looks pretty cool.

Am i the only one who thinks that guy looks just a little like Emperor Palpatine?

http://mellody.co.za/michaela/palpatine/gallery/emperor11.jpg

Hey, there's a new thread about the new pope.

I first heard about this, oddly enough, while surfing the NS forums during computers class. I believe I was probably the first person in my school (it's a Catholic school) to know about it, as I learned of it at 12:40.

My feelings on the matter are rather ambiguous - I would have preferred a bit of a reformer, but such is life. I'll accept him for the next however-many years.

When I got home and informed my father, he went "HA! Teach all those people to expect change in the Catholic Church! Ha! Liberals..."

I am please and happy that the Cardinals have elected a strong leader. Pope Benedict is just what the Church needs right about now.

Something Jesus once said about the pharisees raising themselves over the masses comes to mind(book of Mark).

Personally I will never bow to another man, call him holy, or exhault him in any way other than a 'good job' because only one is worthy of praise. Even Jesus said(paraphrase), "Why do you call me good? Only one is good."(though I forget where this one comes from atm)

But, perhaps he'll be a better leader for the poor Catholics and clean up that church, OVERALL. That last lil scandal really killed the Catholic Church's credibility and hurt all of us Christians as well.

I'm REALLY surprised no one has mentioned the Prophecy of the Popes according to Saint Malachy. So, is this dude, "The Glory of the Olive?" Did he pick the name "Benedict" to fufill the prophecy?

Not that I believe any of this... I just thought some people here would be all over this one way or another.

I heard the Cardinal Voter turnout hovered around 69 or 60%. Down from 68% in October of 1978. The Vatican is planning a "Rock the Cardinal Vote" for next time.

He's too old. 78. Jeez. By the time he's alienated women, gays and jews, he'll be dead. :(

I heard the Cardinal Voter turnout hovered around 69 or 60%. Down from 68% in October of 1978. The Vatican is planning a "Rock the Cardinal Vote" for next time.

How do you know that? The voting of the Conclave is suspose to be secret. Beside Pope John Paul the II only selected 115 or 117 Cardinals to vote a new Pontiff, which all of them did turn out.

Oh God just kill me.

Oh God just kill me.

Ok.

um...guys...um




Malachy's Prophecies - The Last 10 Popes

1. The Burning Fire. PIUS X. 1903-1914. This Pope showed a burning passion for spiritual renewal in the Church.

2. Religion Laid Waste. BENEDICT XV. 1914-1922. During this Pope's reign saw Communism move into Russia where religious life was laid waste, and World War I with the death of millions of Christians who were carnage in Flanders Field and elsewhere.

3. Unshaken Faith. PIUS XI. 1922-1939. This Pope faced tremendous pressure from fascist and sinister powers in Germany and Italy, but he was an outspoken critic of Communism and Fascism which enraged Hitler.

4. An Angelic Shepherd. PIUS XII. 1939-1958. This Pope had an affinity for the spiritual world and received visions which have not been made public. Peter Bander says Pius XII "has emerged as one of the great Popes of all time," and he "was in the truest sense of the word an Angelic Pastor to the flock..."

5. Pastor and Mariner. JOHN XXIII. 1958-1963. John was a pastor to the world, much beloved, and the Patriarch of Venice. The connection to "mariner" is thus remarkable.

6. Flower of Flowers. PAUL VI. 1963-1978. Paul's coat-of-arms depicts three fleurs-de-lis, corresponding to Malachay's prophecy. His coat of arms included three fleurs-de-lis (iris blossoms).

7. Of the Half Moon. JOHN PAUL I. 1978-1978. John Paul I was elected Pope on August 26, 1978, when there was a half moon. He reigned 33 days, that is, about one month, when he died, although many think he was murdered. He was the 109th Pope - is "De Medietate Lunae" (Of the Half Moon). The corresponding pope was John Paul I (1978-78), who was born in the diocese of Belluno (beautiful moon) and was baptized Albino Luciani (white light). He became pope on August 26, 1978, when the moon appeared exactly half full. It was in its waning phase. He died the following month, soon after an eclipse of the moon.

8. The Labor of the Son. JOHN PAUL II. 1978-2005. Pope John Paul II was the most traveled Pope in history. He circled the globe numerous times, preaching to huge audiences everywhere he went. He survived an assassination attempt. He has written a book which has enjoyed a large circulation. Like the sun which never ceases to labor and provides light daily, this Pope has been incessant. He was born on May 18, 1920. On that date in the morning there was a near total eclipse of the sun over Europe. Prophecy - The 110th Pope is "De Labore Solis" (Of the Solar Eclipse, or, From the Toil of the Sun). Like the sun he came out of the East (Poland).

9. The Glory of the Olive. The Order of St. Benedict has said this Pope will come from their order. It is interesting that Jesus gave his apocalyptic prophecy about the end of time from the Mount of Olives. This Pope will reign during the beginning of the tribulation Jesus spoke of. The 111th prophesy is "Gloria Olivae" (The Glory of the Olive). The Order of Saint Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. Saint Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil.

10. PETER THE ROMAN - This final Pope will likely be Satan, taking the form of a man named Peter who will gain a worldwide allegiance and adoration. He will be the final antichrist which prophecy students have long foretold. If it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived. The 112th prophesy states: "In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Petrus Romanus, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations; after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End."

Malachy's final words, "Rome, the seat of the Vatican, will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people."

This new pope already succeeded in alienating the youth...
The "pope boys" stopped cheering as soon as they heard who the new pope is...
Hopefully we will have someone more popular in 10 years.

Until then let's :fluffle: in spite of abstinence :D

Does it bode well that the new Pope is an Inquisitor?

Oh God just kill me.

http://www.boomspeed.com/looonatic/godsniper.gif

Lol!

There is nothing cool about Benedict XVI. He is even MORE conservative than John Paul II. Plus he is a pope.

I hear they're bringing in fresh young blood into the operation, this one's only 78 years old.

I find it intriguing that Cardinal Ratzinger has chosen "Benedict" as his name as Pope. Benedict the First is an unknown quantity to historians. There is almost nothing retained from his Pontificate. The only information we have of consequence is that he struggled against Lombards ( pagans and animists ), who invaded Northern Italy in 568 and eventually most of Italy, effectively surrounding Rome and the Vatican which were under the authority of the Pope.

The Lombards, or Langobards (Long beards), were neither pagans or animists.
They were Arians. Like most German tribes in those days.

Personally I think its good that hes here, he'll be super conservative, die, and then the cardinals will elect a liberal.

VIVA LA POPE!!! I would've thought he'd be John Paul III, though. Long live Benedict XVI! :)

Personally I think its good that hes here, he'll be super conservative, die, and then the cardinals will elect a liberal.

Huzzah!!! Maybe thats why they elected him. He won't be around long, so when he's gone they can start to reform... we can only hope.

A gag from a friend of mine:

Soon to become known as "Eggs" Benedict for his extension of full human status to ova and spermatazoa.
Well, it made me chuckle.

Habemus Papam! (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/Gibblor/popeget.jpg)

Anyways, that picture aside, I'm actually pretty happy that someone as conservative as Ratzinger was chosen. I think that Catholicism needs to maintain it's traditionality, but that's just my opinion.

And to everyone who's complaining about him being too conservative: fret not, it isn't like he has any real political power anyway.

"no real political power"

Really? Considering the immense influence the previous Pope had...

"no real political power"

Really? Considering the immense influence the previous Pope had...
This is true. Perhaps I just don't mind because I'm conservative.

The Lombards, or Langobards (Long beards), were neither pagans or animists.
They were Arians. Like most German tribes in those days.
So what... they were staunch Catholics? I'd say they were both pagans AND animists.

So what... they were staunch Catholics?
Can't you read?

Can't you read?
To a degree. Mellow down.

Malachy's Prophecies - The Last 10 Popes

1. The Burning Fire. PIUS X. 1903-1914. This Pope showed a burning passion for spiritual renewal in the Church.

So too, it could be argued, did John Paul II, especially after he condemned the sex scandals in Boston.

2. Religion Laid Waste. BENEDICT XV. 1914-1922. During this Pope's reign saw Communism move into Russia where religious life was laid waste, and World War I with the death of millions of Christians who were carnage in Flanders Field and elsewhere.

That may be true, but's more arguable that the Church lost more members since the 1950s than during World War I. The Catholic Church was still a strong force after the war- for example, Vatican City was "officially" established in 1929- and, the Communism did not really spread until after World War II.

3. Unshaken Faith. PIUS XI. 1922-1939. This Pope faced tremendous pressure from fascist and sinister powers in Germany and Italy, but he was an outspoken critic of Communism and Fascism which enraged Hitler.

This could describe any Pope. Shoehorning.

4. An Angelic Shepherd. PIUS XII. 1939-1958. This Pope had an affinity for the spiritual world and received visions which have not been made public. Peter Bander says Pius XII "has emerged as one of the great Popes of all time," and he "was in the truest sense of the word an Angelic Pastor to the flock..."

First of all, that's an appeal to authority ("Peter Bander says it, so it must be true"- plus, this Peter Bander isn't very influential or known anyway). Second of all, like the third point, that could describe just about any Pope. Another shoehorn.

5. Pastor and Mariner. JOHN XXIII. 1958-1963. John was a pastor to the world, much beloved, and the Patriarch of Venice. The connection to "mariner" is thus remarkable.

This prophesy really is a test of shoehorning, isn't it? *All* Popes were Pastors at one point, so it shouldn't be a surprise that John XXIII was also a Pastor. Also, Venice- while being mostly on water- has not been a marine power since the 1500s, so it's a stretch now to call any Venetians "mariners".

6. Flower of Flowers. PAUL VI. 1963-1978. Paul's coat-of-arms depicts three fleurs-de-lis, corresponding to Malachay's prophecy. His coat of arms included three fleurs-de-lis (iris blossoms).

This disregards the fact that many other Popes had flowers (such as the Pope before him) on their seals. Also, Paul was not a gardener at all, and, according to what people thought of him, he was hardly as nice as a "flower" either.

7. Of the Half Moon. JOHN PAUL I. 1978-1978. John Paul I was elected Pope on August 26, 1978, when there was a half moon. He reigned 33 days, that is, about one month, when he died, although many think he was murdered. He was the 109th Pope - is "De Medietate Lunae" (Of the Half Moon). The corresponding pope was John Paul I (1978-78), who was born in the diocese of Belluno (beautiful moon) and was baptized Albino Luciani (white light). He became pope on August 26, 1978, when the moon appeared exactly half full. It was in its waning phase. He died the following month, soon after an eclipse of the moon.

Postdiction. Half moons occur more than a dozen times during the year, so the odds are not that unfavourable that John Paul I would become Pope under a half moon. I'm also certain that it's happened before with other Popes.

8. The Labor of the Sun. JOHN PAUL II. 1978-2005. Pope John Paul II was the most traveled Pope in history. He circled the globe numerous times, preaching to huge audiences everywhere he went. He survived an assassination attempt. He has written a book which has enjoyed a large circulation. Like the sun which never ceases to labor and provides light daily, this Pope has been incessant. He was born on May 18, 1920. On that date in the morning there was a near total eclipse of the sun over Europe. Prophecy - The 110th Pope is "De Labore Solis" (Of the Solar Eclipse, or, From the Toil of the Sun). Like the sun he came out of the East (Poland).

So too, was Paul VI- he travelled to five different continents and was labelled the "Pilgrim Pope". Also, solar eclipses- in some form- occur rather frequently over the course of the year in many different places, so like John Paul I, there's some favourable odds that eclipses will occur somewhere during an event. Furthermore, when John Paul II died, there was no solar eclipse- anywhere. It's also arguable that Poland is "East"- technically speaking, it's northeast of Italy, not east. The idea that Poland is "East" is a modern invention (Cold War), and certainly would have been alien to St. Malachy, who probably referred to Poland as the "north". This also disregards the fact that other Popes worked just as hard as John Paul II and probably might have travelled as much as he did if they had the technology to do so.

9. The Glory of the Olive. The Order of St. Benedict has said this Pope will come from their order. It is interesting that Jesus gave his apocalyptic prophecy about the end of time from the Mount of Olives. This Pope will reign during the beginning of the tribulation Jesus spoke of. The 111th prophesy is "Gloria Olivae" (The Glory of the Olive). The Order of Saint Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. Saint Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil.

Benedict XVI is not from the Order of St. Benedict, so that point is irrelevant. Plus, while the media's ascertation that he will extend world peace sounds like it fits the Prophecy, John Paul II also fought extensively for peace, denouncing, for example, the War in Iraq as "unjust", and worked hard for the end of the Cold War. It's also unlikely that Benedict will have much of an impact on the world because he's so old. Also, if the predictions that he's an arch-conservative are true, he may face a war within his own Church, which is hardly peaceful.

Now, for the main subject: I'm mixed about this new guy. Because of his age, he seems to be the Cardinals' lackey- he'll be the figurehead leader of the Church but someone else will be pulling the strings. So while he may have some views that I don't like, I'm not sure if they really matter because he won't be the guy behind the controls. We'll see.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Cardinal_Ratzinger

Just read it.

I'm not Catholic, but I give the man a chance. After all, he is very smart... Now that he's Benedikt XVI. he could do how he pleases.

I am the pope bow before me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Cardinal_Ratzinger

Just read it.

I'm not Catholic, but I give the man a chance. After all, he is very smart... Now that he's Benedikt XVI. he could do how he pleases.
i was prepared to give the man a chance...until i learned that he defended child molesters and helped hide molesters from both justice and the public eye. this man is a disgrace to everything the Church claims to stand for, and his election is wonderful news for anybody who hopes for the Church's downfall; he's an uberconservative nutjob who likes pedophiles and condones violence against gay citizens, and he is a pure embarassment for all the Catholics who stand up for justice, equality, compassion, and reason.

now im sure pope Benedikt XVI is a great man, but to all melbournian commuters, did u see the photo in the mx? it showed him more as a dictator than anything else.

i was prepared to give the man a chance...until i learned that he defended child molesters and helped hide molesters from both justice and the public eye. this man is a disgrace to everything the Church claims to stand for, and his election is wonderful news for anybody who hopes for the Church's downfall; he's an uberconservative nutjob who likes pedophiles and condones violence against gay citizens, and he is a pure embarassment for all the Catholics who stand up for justice, equality, compassion, and reason.

The Church isn't a Democracy -- did he volunteer, or did he have to do it as part of his post?

Personally I think its good that hes here, he'll be super conservative, die, and then the cardinals will elect a liberal.

You wish they would elect a liberal. Let me guess you are a liberal and not Catholic. Because if you were Catholic, you would realize that the Catholic had its conservative stance throughout its 2,000 years of being here. It's not going to start changing now. Plus I don't want it to change, I mean whats more important, making people happy, or sticking to your guns? I say sticking to my guns.

i was prepared to give the man a chance...until i learned that he defended child molesters and helped hide molesters from both justice and the public eye. this man is a disgrace to everything the Church claims to stand for, and his election is wonderful news for anybody who hopes for the Church's downfall; he's an uberconservative nutjob who likes pedophiles and condones violence against gay citizens, and he is a pure embarassment for all the Catholics who stand up for justice, equality, compassion, and reason.

What proof do you have that he tried to defend the child molester? You are forgetting that he worked closely with Pope John Paul II, so maybe, just maybe, he could be agaisnt child molesters just as Pope John Paul II was. Until you provide the proof, it will be hersay.

I'm Catholic, but I really have to wonder...

http://www.frozenreality.co.uk/comic/bunny/strips/190405.gif

What? :D

You wish they would elect a liberal. Let me guess you are a liberal and not Catholic. Because if you were Catholic, you would realize that the Catholic had its conservative stance throughout its 2,000 years of being here. It's not going to start changing now. Plus I don't want it to change, I mean whats more important, making people happy, or sticking to your guns? I say sticking to my guns.But...what if they're the wrong guns?

And, no, the Roman Catholic Church has NOT been conservative for it's entire 2005 year history. If it had, it wouldn't exist. The very existance of a bishop in Rome (also known as...ta da! The Pope) "descended" from Peter the Fisherman (St Peter, who sits at...etc) is due to the incredible liberal actions of the original chrisitians - who were anything BUT conservative. I mean, starting a whole new religious revolution? Setting up headquarters right there in Rome? And, no one martyrs conservative "status quo at all cost" type people. Ya gotta be a Maxi-liberal "let's change everything" type to annoy the incumbent powers enough to get yourself knocked off.

However...I will grant that for the vast majority of it's existance, the Roman Catholic church has been conservative. To it's detriment. Had the church been a little less Uberconservative, Martin Luther et al might have at least been listened to, and some kind of dialogue instituted that could have prevented the entire Protestant Reformation - and the resulting break-up of the Roman Catholic ("universal"?) church into a large number of christian sects, most of which do not acknowledge the Papacy.

And, I "were" Catholic - past tense intended.

Religion is for the people. Not for the priests. When it becomes more about dogma and administration, and less about serving the spiritual needs of the people (not as the "church" sees them, but as the people see them) then it becomes an anachronistic study in failed theology.

But...stick to your guns. Them are some mighty fine guns. Too bad they don't work.

I gotta say, this new guy is decidedly less Polish than PJP II.

Did they have the guts to elect a black pope?
Bet you, no.
There was a black pope already though

And what's all this business about Ratzinger being a Nazi?

I thought he was the guy who played Cliff on Cheers.

No?

No, he's Palpatine :p

http://www.frozenreality.co.uk/comic/bunny/strips/190405.gif

But...what if they're the wrong guns?

And, no, the Roman Catholic Church has NOT been conservative for it's entire 2005 year history. If it had, it wouldn't exist. The very existance of a bishop in Rome (also known as...ta da! The Pope) "descended" from Peter the Fisherman (St Peter, who sits at...etc) is due to the incredible liberal actions of the original chrisitians - who were anything BUT conservative. I mean, starting a whole new religious revolution? Setting up headquarters right there in Rome? And, no one martyrs conservative "status quo at all cost" type people. Ya gotta be a Maxi-liberal "let's change everything" type to annoy the incumbent powers enough to get yourself knocked off.

However...I will grant that for the vast majority of it's existance, the Roman Catholic church has been conservative. To it's detriment. Had the church been a little less Uberconservative, Martin Luther et al might have at least been listened to, and some kind of dialogue instituted that could have prevented the entire Protestant Reformation - and the resulting break-up of the Roman Catholic ("universal"?) church into a large number of christian sects, most of which do not acknowledge the Papacy.

And, I "were" Catholic - past tense intended.

Religion is for the people. Not for the priests. When it becomes more about dogma and administration, and less about serving the spiritual needs of the people (not as the "church" sees them, but as the people see them) then it becomes an anachronistic study in failed theology.

But...stick to your guns. Them are some mighty fine guns. Too bad they don't work.

Look its not to say that the Church doesn't change, it changes, it just changes slowly and gradually. I'm sorry if we don't change all willy dilly like the Prostant or Baptist does. I am proud that my church, the Holy Church of Rome (Roman Catholic), is able to stick to its gun on abortions, contraception, (I mean really, do you people HAVE to have sex? I'm 21 and I'm still a virgin. I thank the Church for that). Also, I believe that its not the titles that matter, but what you do in your religious vocation that matters. Mother Theresa (soon to be Saint Theresa) was one of the most important woman in the Roman Catholic Church history. She has done great things for the poor, and for the Church, all while being *gasp* a NUN! I mean lets face it, you can be a Nun, Mother, Sister, and still do great things.

Go to Amazon.com, type Popes in the Search for books.
Most are written by Pope John Paul II.

Look its not to say that the Church doesn't change, it changes, it just changes slowly and gradually. I'm sorry if we don't change all willy dilly like the Prostant or Baptist does. I am proud that my church, the Holy Church of Rome (Roman Catholic), is able to stick to its gun on abortions, contraception, (I mean really, do you people HAVE to have sex? I'm 21 and I'm still a virgin. I thank the Church for that). Also, I believe that its not the titles that matter, but what you do in your religious vocation that matters. Mother Theresa (soon to be Saint Theresa) was one of the most important woman in the Roman Catholic Church history. She has done great things for the poor, and for the Church, all while being *gasp* a NUN! I mean lets face it, you can be a Nun, Mother, Sister, and still do great things.Mother Theresa wasn't all about them guns. She was all about the people. Ever been to Rome? St Pete's Basilica? I have. There's enough gold, gems, and priceless art work in there to support the poor of the world for about a century. That's not about the people.

(P.S. sure hope St. Pete, God, and all have a sense of humor - otherwise, I am one doomed puppy...) ;)

Teresa.

No, he's Palpatine :p

http://www.frozenreality.co.uk/comic/bunny/strips/190405.gif

Well, that settles it- God's a Star Wars fan! :D

Teresa.Gesundheit...;) thanks

There was a black pope already though

theres been three african popes all before 700 AD, but after the Muslims took over most of Africa in the 700s, there were never any elected since. Now with the catholic church regaining a lot of ground in africa, they can seriously look at promoting an african pope again.

I think this pope is a transitional pope. One who closely resembles JP2, and can set the stage for a younger, longer lasting pope.

theres been three african popes all before 700 AD, but after the Muslims took over most of Africa in the 700s, there were never any elected since. Now with the catholic church regaining a lot of ground in africa, they can seriously look at promoting an african pope again.

I think this pope is a transitional pope. One who closely resembles JP2, and can set the stage for a younger, longer lasting pope.

The names of the Three African Popes are: Victor (183-203 A.D.), Gelasius (492-496 A.D.), and Mechiades or Militiades (311-314 A.D.). All are saints.

Their skin color is unknown.

They could have been black. Or olive colored. Or even white.
We simply don't know.

Africa was a major mixing pot... especially given that Carthage, Egypt, and Rome all had slaves from all over the three continents.

They're already talking about health concerns with Pope Benedict XVI....

They're already talking about health concerns with Pope Benedict XVI....

He's a 78 year old pontiff!

I mean, they're not going to talk about the wife & kids or the new BMW, eh?
I'm also pretty sure he isn't a golfer...