Pope Benedict XVI gets it: Retires early

[audreyh1]

We have lots of them here. They are not as colorful as the males, but have the same distinctive crest on the top of their head.

LOL!

 

[Tigger]

Turns out he didn't retire, he was fired!

 

[mickeyd]

So the Papacy is not a death sentence after all. He has making a brave decision that he must have thought/prayed about for a long time. No doubt it's a burden off of the Holy Father's' shoulders.

 

[kevink]

Leave it to The Onion to get the real story:

Resigning Pope No Longer Has Strength To Lead Church Backward | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

 

[comicbookgujy]

Poor guy, he's being criticized for retiring early at age 85!

 

[MichaelB]

We are all about retirement, so even the Pope qualifies, but let's remember to keep it friendly - and positive.

 

[timo2]

As more people work later, because they are living longer and still need the money, maybe in the future 85 will be the new ER? ;-)

 

[Original Wally]

We are all about retirement, so even the Pope qualifies, but let's remember to keep it friendly - and positive.

Thank you. As a Christian, I found some of those posts offensive

 

[obgyn65]

Well I was born Catholic, but I find some of these posts very funny.

Thank you. As a Christian, I found some of those posts offensive

 

[braumeister]

Well I was born Catholic, but I find some of these posts very funny.

+1

 

[audreyh1]

Pure coincidence or a sign? That strike happened just hours after the pope said he is stepping down.

Lightning strikes Vatican | Video | Reuters.com

Yep, pretty amazing "coincidence" - direct hit to St. Peters basilica.

Probably not that uncommon, though, since it's the highest point in the Vatican, but I could not find out how common it is.

 

[travelover]

Will he be referred to as Joseph or Benedict now?

 

[Meadbh]

I want to know if he gets to keep those spiffy red shoes to wear around the house. They look very comfortable!

 

[ERD50]

Thank you. As a Christian, I found some of those posts offensive

Well I was born Catholic, but I find some of these posts very funny.

+1

Amen.

Also born/raised Catholic. I drifted, but I always try to respect those who kept to their faith. Most of them have a sense of humor.

-ERD50

 

[SumDay]

I'm a convert Catholic, and I found this thread funny. I like to think God has a sense of humor, therefore I should too.

 

[Lazarus]

If we had to be concerned about offending no one, nothing could be said at all.

 

[Alan]

Like everyone else I was very surprised to hear the news.

 

[Marita40]

Hey, I'm a practicing Catholic and I found this thread good-humored and respectful. (Well, the Onion is outrageous, but that's to be expected.) Loved the shot of the lightning; God also appears to have a good sense of humor. As to name he'll no doubt go back to plain-old Fr. Ratzinger, although one wonders if it will be followed by former-pope or pope emeritus or something. He never wanted to be pope in the first place (which probably makes the best kind of pope). Hope he enjoys kicking those red loafers off and taking a well deserved rest. Now, onto speculation about the next pope. . . would love to see an African or Latino. . .

 

[ls99]

Here's my nominee:

Yes, Guido Sarducci has as good of a humor as Carol Voytyla

 

[Stanley]

The Pope worked until he was 85. Today on NPR they had a story about a guy who was still working at 73. He has quite a ways to go to catch up with this Pope.

 

[mickeyd]

I'm a convert Catholic, and I found this thread funny. I like to think God has a sense of humor, therefore I should too.

Image and likeness.

 

[Tyro]

Any bets on the next pope being female.

Um, well, I don't think there are any female cardinals yet.

Pope Joan II?

 

[haha]

I'm a convert Catholic, and I found this thread funny. I like to think God has a sense of humor, therefore I should too.

He must, just look at the world he has created.

Ha

 

[SumDay]

Anyone catch the Saturday Night Live skit on Papal Securities?

Retirement Ad: Papal Securities | SNL’s 5 Best Skits: Christoph Waltz Hosts — and Even Dances | TIME.com

 

[Stanley]

Congratulations to the Pope Emeritus on his new status as a retired early person!
I watched him leave the Vatican in the helicopter. The aerial views of Rome were wonderful, seeing all those marvelous sights from on high.