Pope bids emotional farewell to 150,000 faithful

By NICOLE WINFIELD

World Feb. 28, 2013 - 07:21AM JST ( 9 )

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9 Comments

-2

Elbuda MexicanoFeb. 28, 2013 - 08:54AM JST

Sayonara, arrivaderchi, adios, later, we are all really gonna miss the first German Pope, so Auf veedazane!
3

BertieWoosterFeb. 28, 2013 - 09:03AM JST

Since the news came out about Pope Benedict's retirement, there has been a question in my mind.

How can a Pope retire?

He has a special relationship with God, doesn't he?

So, why couldn't he just ask God for the "strength of mind or body to carry on?"

Somehow I can't help feeling that there is more to this story.
-2

ambrosiaFeb. 28, 2013 - 04:45PM JST

Sayonara is right! We're all going to miss you is absolutely wrong so please speak for yourself, Elbuda.
-1

ambrosiaFeb. 28, 2013 - 06:32PM JST

BertieWooster: No doubt there is more to this story though it's not beyond comprehension that an 85-year old man in fragile health would want to pass on the difficult job of leading a church mired in scandal to a younger, more able-bodied person. People can pray all they want but I've yet to hear of one who's managed to overcome the inevitable physical weakening that comes with old age nor of death itself.

Pope Benedict XVI indirectly acknowledged Wednesday that his nearly 8 years as head of the Roman Catholic Church have not always been easy. Sometimes "the Lord seemed to sleep," the pope said during the last general audience before his resignation.....
-1

BertieWoosterFeb. 28, 2013 - 08:04PM JST

Ambrosia-san,

I agree completely that an ordinary mortal, having reached the ripe old age of 85, might think of hanging up his hat and passing the job to a younger chap.

Makes sense.

Yet, in times of trouble, we are urged to pray, because "God listens to our prayers."

One would imagine that He would listen to a pope's entreaties, wouldn't you?

Or is even the pope having doubts?

"it seemed like the Lord was sleeping."

Something doesn't seem to click about this story.

Which is why I said that I thought there was probably more to it.
-3

ambrosiaMar. 01, 2013 - 02:55AM JST

BertieWooster: I agree completely that an ordinary mortal...

You can just stop with that. He is an ordinary mortal. We all are.
0

BertieWoosterMar. 01, 2013 - 08:08AM JST

The pope?

An ordinary mortal?

No.

Surely . . .
0

HonestDictatorMar. 01, 2013 - 10:19PM JST

If a person's heart isn't into doing something then they're not into doing it. Personally I could give a flying bleep about this, because its got nothing to do with my life or beliefs whatsoever.
0

BertieWoosterMar. 01, 2013 - 11:11PM JST

HonestDictator-san,

As you say, if a person's heart isn't into doing something then they're not into doing it.

How true.

How terribly, terribly true.

But poping isn't something one takes lightly, does one?

"Fed up with mucking out camel stalls, think I'll be a pope for a bit!"

Doesn't really seem right.