Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was named the 265th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church on April 19, 2005, at the age of 78. He was the first German pope in several centuries and chose the name Benedict XVI.
Pope Benedict resigned in February 2013 at the age of 85 and the Vatican announced earlier today he died, age 95.
ABC News reports: “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be provided as soon as possible,” said the Director of the Holy See press office Matteo Bruni’s statement.
The Vatican press office has said that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican for the faithful to pay their respects. No further details have been announced. (more)
It’s very unusual for a pope to die while another is in office.
The White House released the following statement:
“Jill and I join Catholics around the world, and so many others, in mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. I had the privilege of spending time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome as well as our meaningful conversation. He will be remembered as a renowned theologian, with a lifetime of devotion to the Church, guided by his principles and faith. As he remarked during his 2008 visit to the White House, “the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity.” May his focus on the ministry of charity continue to be an inspiration to us all.” ~ White House
Very sad news.
A wonderful new !
Ratzinger is seeing God. He is living the True Life.
I think not.
All these accolades being showered on this man are sticking Knives in the Hearts of all the the victims of the sexual abuse scandal.
Read my post below and then see how you feel about him.
One thing I am sure of is the time will come where an innocent victim would hear me support the legacy of Ratzinger.
Just imagine how they would feel.
I sure can’t.
Baloney
He is not responsible for those crimes . It’s like saying all Germans were Nazis
He was tasked to handle the investigations of sexual abuse. He was head quartered out of San Francisco.
Took full advantage of the Vatican’s non-extradition treaties with the entire world and shipped all accused off the the Vatican where they are safe.
Not the actions of truth seekers.
Once again give me o few names of offenders who were brought to justice.
Crickets.
The Princeton boys choir a offshoot of Princeton University was sued to allow for holding a not for profit entity liable if that organization was complicate in cases of sexual misconduct.
Guess how joined the legal defense team.
The Catholic Church used parishioners monies to help defend those child rapist.
I wouldn’t spend too much time defending the Catholic Church.
This advice comes from a proud Catholic who hates what the Catholic Church has done to the Catholic community
You don’t abandon Jesus( aka the Catholic Church) because of some rotten apples…take your Catholic- hating to some Protestant sight. Geez
Jim’s not hating. He’s a proud Catholic.
NOT any kind of Catholic I care to emulate.
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/bill-donohue/defense-pope-benedict-xvi
The last time I was in church the bishop had all the parishes play a film after mass to address the scandal.
After all the legal double speak was over the propaganda film went on to remind the sheep in the flock that Christ taught us to find it in our hearts to move on and forgive our offenders. The key word being our .
Christ taught us that forgiveness was the path to overcoming the harm.
That is true. The offended needs to forgive. Being one of the most difficult thing to come to grips with.
But when they preach that the sheep ,who were not offended ,should forgive and put it behind us ,you know sweep it under the rug, I part ways .
Who are we to forgive the offender who has harmed someone else.
Our job is to bring justice not forgive on behalf of someone else.
That’s the easy way out for those who would rather put their heads in the sand.
Agreed.
We should remember that of the 12 Apostles Jesus chose Himself, one was an unbeliever, a fake– Judas. “The weeds and wheat will grow up together” and they always have from the very beginning.
Oh blather blather…read Bill Donahue, the Rottweiler of God’s Rottweiler.
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/bill-donohue/defense-pope-benedict-xvi
YOu are completely ignorant. The record of what Pope Benedict actually did, more than any other cleric, to address the wrongs of perversion, is available with very little research.
Listening to media in order to support your TDS like Benedict hatred is so leftist.
Bill Donahue, president of the Catholic league, who always has the last laugh when they try to discredit him, is a historian whose voice is loud, but his research is solid. He has listed with extensive substantiation the enormous actions that Pope Emeritus Benedict took going back many years.
https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/bill-donohue/defense-pope-benedict-xvi
Rest in peace, Papa Benedict. I so look forward to praying for your intercession where you can hear me so much better.
DOWN DOWN DOWN vote
TDS or BDS…either way, it’s such an ugly blot upon one’s character.
RIP to a Great Man…
(We had a attempted Coup in 2016 and than a successful coup by the traitors and criminals in 2020 right here in America) (Some earlier like JFK, and others)
The Coup d’Etat and Forced Resignation of Benedict XVI
Benedict is still the True Pope
https://www.catholicamericanthinker.com/Forced-Resignation-of-Benedict.html
and they didn’t just install a communist secular pope, they installed a jesuit. The Roman catholic church is also a captured operation
She’s as beautiful outside as in. (sarc.)
Let’s see YOUR picture and maybe a picture of your mom!
Poca typed in the reply “(sarc.)” as in sarcasm.
She’s as beautiful outside as in. Without a sarcasm indication, it means she is truly beautiful, through and through.
“She’s as beautiful outside as in. (sarc.)” … IS AN INSULT TO Bella Dodd.
Agreed. She confessed to Ab. Fulton Sheen. Sarcasm tag or not, the comment lacks charity.
Taken as face value the comment is a compliment and if it is meant sarcastically, it is an insult.
And in the 1940’s Communist Saul Alinsky used the Catholic Church and Jesuits in Chicago to advance his Communist Agenda of Social Justice … they fell for it … threw out Charity and replaced it with the evil that is Social Justice followed by Liberation Theology and Moral Relativism.
So what? The gates of hell won’t prevail against the church Jesus established – and just in case you were wondering, Jesus does know what’s going on.
Oh my! Wherever did you find this? It figures that we have been duped for a long time.
An operation it is. I am a catholic and I wouldn’t trade my catholic upbringing for any other life – but – the Vatican is nothing more than a large bank that stores and protects the wealth of the roman empire. I believe Benedict was a good man. Francis is a queer and he was installed to protect, block, run interference for, the pedophiles.
A good Catholic upbringing would entail a Catholic School teaching nun massaging your knuckles with a ruler for not capitalizing “Catholic”!
Stick to tugboats!
BStew – my apologies. I’ve gotten used to auto correct capitalizing the important religious titles for me – I will make sure to tighten that up in a minute. Funny how Judaism, Israel, Mohammed and Islam are instantly capitalized but the word catholic is not. Hhhmmmph.
My order of nuns never did anything like that. Kudos to the School Sisters of St Francis of Milwaukee. Still operate a respected teachers college there. All students would be lucky to have such great teachers.
I don’t see it as a “coup” – I see it as a poor choice. Benedict was simply too old. He never was the right man for the job, despite his long history with the Church. He was also not particularly effective. He seemed to do all right “below ‘the top,” but not “at ‘the top.'” Some people are like that: everyone must find their place, and sometimes “one promotion is too many.”
I think that he decided for himself that he needed to step down, and that is what he did. He continued to be influential without bearing the mantle himself. From “conductor” to “first violin.”
Maybe Francis was a “poor choice” also, but the Catholic Church must have a Pope. Someone must step up to perform the duties of the Office as best he can. Maybe Benedict decided, graciously, that he could no longer do it. Francis agreed to take it on. “God help him.”
Well the way Francis came about had the American intelligence branch spying on the entire process which is enough for me to conclude he Francis a communist is no good. But I’m not Catholic so maybe its not my business.
I’m Catholic. The family has been for 400+ years. And you are right on target.
Many are unaware of Bella Dodd and her testimony. You are on the right path Billie. Ty
Not only are you spot on, Billie; but it definitely IS your business & the business of every American when an organization with the influence and financial clout the Catholic Church has, abuses the faithful, and destroys this God Given Nation with communism & deceit.
Yes. Count how many Supreme Court Justices were in Jesuit universities.
The Catholic Church alone, in the beginning, has been responsible for the flood of illegals, among them many murderers and rapists and criminals of all sorts, that have plagued the border states.
Then, the Lutheran Church got in on it.
Catholic Charities is how the money flows. Look at the ledgers, a lot of money flows from the gov. (Your taxes) through the church. The church made big $’s during the BO years.
The truth is non-denominational, Billie.
Catholic or not— at the moment— you are entitled to your opinion.
Agree.
I just wrote something about it:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2022/12/31/pope-benedict-xvi-dies/#comment-9456712
The age-old Peter Principle. RIP, Pope Benedict XVI
Whether Benedict, a German or Francis, a Jesuit… they both allowed the rape and molestation of so many children! It is a terrible thing to die and be judged by God…
Wow- didn’t realize that they were super- human guys who could read minds/ see every action going on world- wide, etc…
Eyeroll…
You’ll be judged too. Keep that in mind…
How could they not have known?
Do you know what’s happening in a location half- way around the world right now?? If you can do that- that’s incredible!!!;)
Where was it a secret?
How can this go on for so many years and not be known
It appears you are incorrect about Benedict XVI and the child abuse issue in the Church:
“While Benedict was head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he convinced John Paul II to put sexual abuse investigations under the CDF’s purview, and rigorously prosecuted investigations against accused clergy.”
Ref.: https://sputniknews.com/20221231/from-hitler-youth-to-papacy-life-and-legacy-of-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-1105892594.html
Might be that Pope Benedict’s purpose was to act as a caretaker of the Church during his tenure. So maybe he wasn’t as charismatic as John Paul II or John XXIII. Maybe our Lord had a different role for him to serve?
IMHO, John the 23rd ruined the Church by his Second Vatican council.
Nope. Just look to the writings of archbishop vigano and George neumayr.
Ratzinger was a good man.
The only thing Francis has stepped up to do I’d finalize the subsuming of the church doctrine into Marxist ideology.
You are absolutely right.Benedict was an honorable pope.He was given an ultimatum resign or be removed.Francis is everything that the global/satanic cabal wanted in this position.Father ,we thank you that Benedict is now with you in your kingdom.In Jesus Christ name,Amen.
Jesus will sort all this.
Given an ultimatum? No way NICCO – Pope Benedict XVI is a hero – his writings alone are God sent and his book “Jesus of Nazareth” has actually converted even Muslims.
Pope JPII advocated for Ratzinger to be the next Pope – which he didn’t want to be.
When he resigned, he said he was in prayer when the Lord asked him to step down – but an unbelieving media had a heyday with that. Jesus knows what has to happen to bring about the reign of His Kingdom, and just because humans loathe obedience, doesn’t mean the KING OF KINGS won’t work out the good for all true believers. And one final point, God knows the heart of Pope Francis -we don’t! What we do know is that: “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”…says Jesus!
I have been hearing this for years. (Used to follow Ann Barnhart). Please explain who gave him the ultimatum. I’m not Catholic and don’t understand what happened, or why. Sounds like the Vatican is similar to Deep State.
Do some research into the jesuit order and decide for yourself.Benedict was not the one to be the one to bring about the global/satanic order for anti christ to come on the scene.And by the way I was Catholic.
You can’t force a Pope to resign, its impossible. You can assassinate one, but not force them to resign.
If you could force a resignation of a Pope, it would prove lack of faith. So, the Pope resigned of free will.
Maybe he chose the survival of the Church, instead of his position as Pope. God only knows what the global demons were up to.
No coincidence a third world liberation theologian was chosen to succeed the first Pope to resign in 600 years. Look who we had in the White House at the time of Benedict’s ‘resignation’–the first Marxist President.
Enquiring minds wondered then and are still unconvinced this Pope is legitimate.
I say that as a “non Catholic Christian” closely associated with many beautiful Jesus loving Catholics a few of whom have very briefly and almost guardedly suggested the same.
Sundance seemed very focused and concise, staying on the high side with this post.
I’d love to be a fly on the wall at his house today…. 🙂
The globalist needed to get the church in alignment – Pope Benedict was not on their side – thus Francis was “installed”. I am a Roman Catholic and “Pope” Francis is NOT my Pope. Saddened to learn of his passing this AM and even more bummed to have Francis in his shoes and Popemobile 😞
YEP!
Although one can not help but see the obvious, the Church, The US government and so many others have been completely taken by the globalists.
The only thing that interests me is when it will be that freedom, faith filled people will have had enough.
Francis attack on the traditional Latin Mass recently is all you need to know about his intentions.
In another, or maybe this, writing he referred to the new Mass as a “banal, on the spot, fabrication.”
You can’t be Catholic and renounce the Pope. I mean, the Catholic institution does not have a very pious history so if you are going to judge the current pope adversely you will have to renounce most of the history of the church.
I can absolutely renounce the pope as he does NOT advocate for the Catholic Church at all. This man pretending to be a Catholic is a communist and supports gay marriage and does not decry abortion. True about some of the history as is the case for all organized religions…there were some very dark says and periods in the history of Christianity itself.
No one know God’s will.
Its in the bible. God wrote it down for us.
Most people don’t read the Bible or they wouldn’t advocate for people who totally violate what God says in the Bible. They would rather have a fallible mortal tell them what to believe.
An Italian American friend of mine was raised Catholic in Houston,TX. He walked out of the church one day at age 26 and told his wife, “Everything they’ve taught me is a LIE. Go buy me a Bible, and I will read it myself. ” He read and studied the Bible for 2 years before going to a Baptist ( not Protestant) churcn and confessing his faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. He told me the Catholic church is a combination of Judism, Christianity, and Paganism. They will join hands with the Anti-Christ in the near future.
🙄
You can be Catholic and renounce the Pope. I can also judge Frankie as a communist plant and not renounce most of the Church’s history.
Are you making up any other rules?
I am an American and I totally and completely renounce the Presidency of Joe Biden. I am a lifelong Catholic and feel this way about “Pope” Francis.
I am an American and I totally and completely renounce the mistakes of the history of America, but consider myself a Proud American.
If your loved one became sick with cancer, would you just leave them or do everything in your power to nurse them back to good health or at least stay with them?
Many Catholics feel this way. We recognize the faults of the hierarchy of the Church, but will not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I hope that’s helpful.
Earlier “bad” Popes were personally bad, but they did not attack the doctrine or dogmas of the Catholic faith. This Pope is undermining the Catholic faith. Faithful Catholics can certainly question his inaccurate statements regarding faith and morals (but they never get a straight answer from him, if they even get an answer at all).
I am a Catholic too and I agree that Pope Francis is not my pope. I disagree with many of his liberal ways. God help the Church.
REQUIEM aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
I think that’s entirely fair . . .
Thank you. Sometimes the comments on threads like this one become so ugly.
Can’t we just say, “Rest in Peace” without using it as an opportunity to slam the Church?
Thank goodness we have free speech here. You have the right to be offended as the posters have the right to speak freely. The Catholic church hierarchy self inflicted these sediments.
Along with the idea of free speech comes discernment. The Catholic Church isn’t the one who passed away today but it was a flawed man (and who among us is not?) who dedicated his life to serving God. The Church has a lot to answer for, but this thread was about the death of a man. Personally, I’d like to pay my respects in my own way, and follow my mother’s sage advice, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
sputniknews.com just published this very nice recollection of his surprisingly diverse career. I learned many new things about him from reading it:
“From Hitler Youth to Papacy: Life and Legacy of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.”
https://sputniknews.com/20221231/from-hitler-youth-to-papacy-life-and-legacy-of-pope-emeritus-benedict-xvi-1105892594.html
I firmly believe that if you even once accept the Office of Pope, you have done something for which you should be remembered and honored for trying to do the Lord’s work. Whether you “agree” with the Catholic faith or not, you are nevertheless now to be the one incarnate human spiritual leader of millions of people worldwide. Every one of which are the Lord’s beloved children, and He knows all of them by name.
“Of those to whom much is given, much is required.”
“Feed My Sheep.”
A fantastic theological mind was Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, who wrote the Catechism of the Catholic Church for St Pope John Paul II. But as Sundance noted, a very unusual papal situation…and given world politics at the time of Benedict’s ‘retirement,’ very suspect, imho. RIP.
Perhaps Benedict simply decided that he wasn’t up to it. Maybe he was right.
Doubt that, given the quality of his various writings. Sharp, insightful mind.
Perhaps a mind that perceived too much.
Some people excel in a “junior” position – using their “sharp, insightful mind” – but then find themselves elevated to a position that they are simply not suited for. When you are at the top of the organization, you are “standing outside on the top of the lighthouse during every storm.” That’s simply not for everybody.
“The Buck Stops Here.” That’s the job description.
“All right, this is not working for me – I want to step down and assume an ’emeritus’ role.” While this is a historically unusual decision for a Pope to make, perhaps Benedict decided that it was best for the Papacy. I really don’t think that we should try too hard to “second guess” him on that point. Better to realize that a position is not working for you, and to graciously withdraw from it, than to continue to pretend that it is.
There was a book ….
-Changing popes was a distraction from horrible scandals.
The real Pope never left the Vatican. He did not give up his ring nor wearing white.
He said he was the spiritual Leader /Pope when he said his public farewell.
One of the Cardinals spoke during a Lenten speaker series at my church. Of course. I went. Small parish and probably no more than 150 people present, if that many. He mentioned that Benedict was a very introverted man and his duties as Pope increasingly sapped his energy. I guess I will believe that Benedict felt that he no longer had enough energy for the role. Cardinal George also mentioned at the time that certain attitudes of the US guv towards the church were new to his experience, not in a good way. I am grateful I had this opportunity to hear him speak. He took questions.
”
I expect to die in bed, my successor will die in prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square. His successor will pick up the shards of a ruined society and slowly help rebuild civilization, as the church has done so often in human history
”
Francis Cardinal George
This was the Cardinal George that spoke that evening. I liked him a lot.
My understanding is that Benedict was a scholar and so the solitary mind makes a lot of sense. He did seem awkward and shy in public, and I suspect he didn’t think the role suited him or he, it.
“Perhaps Benedict simply decided” he couldn’t adhere to BO.
He wasn’t woke enough. The current Pope is woke to the extreme.
Probably the last non-communist pope the catholic church will ever have. Very sad…on a host of levels.
“Probably the last non-communist pope the Catholic Church will ever have.”
No. Such statements can never apply to the Catholic Church.
Even this Calvinist agrees with you, Ausonius.
If we really need a candidate for a denomination that has become invested in communist thinking, I nominate the Unitarian Universalist churches.
Without mentioning names, I know of a few communist/globalists types of criminal politicians who belong to the Unitarians. Both parties which are really one in most cases.
The World Council Of Churches were big communist terrorist supporters in Africa
That is satire you’re providing, right?
You wish
Popes in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s (Leo XIII & Pius X among others) wrote very clearly about the dangers and faults of socialism and/or communism. Neither ideology respects the dignity of the individual. Catholic social justice is NOT the same thing as left-wing social “justice”.
He wore red shoes.
God created the rainbow. LGBT took it over.
The red shoes of the Pope are supposed to symbolize the bloody sacrifice of Christ’s life and the Pope following the example of Christ. Not surprising for evil to also want to take over that symbol.
I think Dorothy took over that whole “Red Shoe” thing.
🙄
As a symbol of the blood of the many, many martyrs!!!!
A good German, who liked to dress well and with precision.
The actual pope.
RIP
You need help.
There were reportedly many actions by Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI that deserve thoughtful analysis and prayer. Some are discussed in the following article written by an erudite source who is very critical of the changes that have occurred within the Catholic Church beginning with Vatican II:
https://novusordowatch.org/2022/12/benedict16-dies-in-vatican/
This article is offered to inform and urge prayer for the Catholic Church and not to offend anyone who is Catholic.
We see the purpose as quite different after reading that article.
Go to Question No.2 for an idea of what “Novus Ordo Watch” is all about. According to the wags at NOW, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI were not real Catholic Popes.
https://novusordowatch.org/faqs/
I know, I read it. Ito say I’ve no use for the sedevacantist crowd is me being diplomatic. And not wanting to have to go to Confession again so soon.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedevacantism
Good grief Boogy. I know very well what those people are and believe. And as I said, I have no use for them.
It’s very unusual for a pope to die while another is in office
I’d say.
The current Pope was seated during the Obama’s 2nd term.
That Pope went on to involve his opinions in US Politics , US open border , and on America First President Trump. Turning blind eye to church teachings in favor of Socialist politics and questionable Catholics within our government.
Pope Soros
I had read long ago that ‘Francis’ was under Liberal Psychiatric care in the 1970’s. Now in certain cases liberal psychiatric care translates to “Intell” see especially Whitey Bulger mass murderer/criminal crime spree while under FBI supervision and a product of MK-Ultra. It certainly raises red flags imo. Regards Sunny
If Pope Benedict was not up to the job, I don’t see how the heck Francis can be considered “up to the job” – a former bouncer!
Pope Francis: an example of the Peter Principle (and I am not talking about St. Peter)
interestingly, perhaps not surprisingly, Benedict was relatively conservative and resigned so that the new guy, who is a Post Modern Globalist Left Fascist got the job
almost like a coup, very similar dynamic to Trump vs OBiden and now Brazil
It was.
The last of the decent and humane popes (to date). RIP.
I pray he had a final confession with a real priest and asked for absolution and forgiveness for his (at the time) unknown and heavily influential participation, and implementation of the heresy of Vatican II.
He is not the conservative many believe he was. At best, a moderate liberal, but a modernist nonetheless. POPE PIUS XII banned some of Ratzinger’s writings as heresy. Ratzinger also did nothing, as did also Woytyla and now Bergoglio, to stop the heinous sex crimes of the Lavender Mafia that has infiltrated and dominates the Vatican hierarchy.
What people refer to as the “Catholic Church” is not the Catholic Church, but a heretical Masonic/Protestant organisation run by unholy individuals. The real Catholic Church would not be hemorrhaging money and members like this organisation is as people are starting to figure out just what’s been going on for the last 60+ years inside the walls of the Vatican.
The last pope was Pius XII, the rest are phonies/pretenders and the Chair of Peter is, and has been vacant since Pius XII died.
Look to Traditional Catholicism. They claim that Vatican II is heresy and a plot within the Catholic Church to undermine it. See Bella Dodd’s testimony about a large number of pedophiles being sent in to the Catholic Church to infiltrate and undermine it by the Communists (Globalists/Luciferians etc)
Colkitto, spot on. I am fully aware. I am in the middle of a book right now that goes into minute detail about how Vatican II came about and it names names, including Ratzinger. In my traditional circles, the one main argument is whether John XXIII was valid or not as it’s been documented he was a Freemason, therefore couldn’t be pope.
Unfortunately in Middle Georgia there’s no traditional Catholic Church. There is a SSPX parish in the Atlanta area, but they use the invalid 1962 Missal.
I just keep praying and studying and arguing and one day Christ will prevail and His Church restored.
Best to you GE. I wish I could say more about the treason of Vatican II, but I cannot.
It seems you are on the right path though. Slainte friend
The book is called Vatican II Exposed as Counterfeit Catholicism, written by Frs. Francisco and Dominic Radecki, twin brother priests….if you’re interested.
Tyvm friend. I am seriously thinking about buying it. You have to understand, my “To read list” is very lengthy. So much to read, and so little time. I am going to bookmark it.
My regards & thanks
I grew up Protestant in a New England Congregational Church, and I can only tell you that when I toured the Vatican I was never so embarrassed for the Catholic Church. The dripping riches, even after selling the Fiat Motor company, was just nauseating. The entire Vatican is like a used car sales floor.
I never experienced anything but simple God-fearing prayer and celebration of the Trinity in the Congregational Church. My grandfather was a Mason and was very beholden to his Christian beliefs and lived his entire life in the realm of service to God and fellow mankind.
WSB – “dripping riches”??? Those riches were donated by the people to GOD! I’ve given many treasured items of my own to the church, for God’s many people to enjoy, instead of just a few – as have many many many Catholics – after all Jesus said, “Give your riches to the poor, and then come back – Follow me.” Don’t be embarrassed for the faithful – Jesus isn’t.
You can’t explain this to people who have little ability to see the big picture. This ludicrous accusation has been flung at the Church for so long.
First, people are able to see these “riches” which are actually great treasures of the human race, the finest accomplishments mankind can produce, in honor of, and giving glory to God. The Church spends millions of dollars to protect and house and share these wonders with the world, yet the ignorant would apparently, after being able to see and appreciate these great works of art, rather they be squirreled away in Bill Gates vault.
Second, go read again in the Old Testament God’s very specific instructions on how his temple was to be built. Go read about the details and beauty of the Ark of the Covenant, of the robes of Aaron and the priests. That’s right, they were “dripping riches.”
Once upon a time our forefathers, including in my own city poor Irish railroad workers following the tracks, sacrificed and worked hard to worship in beauty, offering their first fruits to God, knowing the value of that beauty, and the lessons even the unlearned could draw from the art and architecture of their sacred spaces.
Now we have stages and performances and I’ve been in beautiful old churches where the altar, the altar of God, has been removed to be replaced with a stage, lights, show props.
You worship according to your beliefs. I’ll stick with what God himself described as his due, and appreciate the gifts He’s given mankind, the talents, the riches bestowed upon his people.
Perfect.
Appreciate and enjoy your points.
God bless you and your family in this year and for all eternity.
Well said and very true. We used to sacrifice and give the best to God in our churches. Now we keep the best to adorn our own homes.
Felt the same way visiting the Vatican in 2019. I was shocked. Went to Catholic school in the Midwest for 12 years.
And not just “dripping riches’ but commercialization like I have never seen.
Signs in many languages directing “This way to the Sistine Chapel”, “That Way to the Sistine Chapel”, trinkets, plastic rosaries, Jesus statues, plastic Mary statues, scarves, lace, bus tours, ticket booths, etc. All over the Vatican grounds.
Reminds me of the Temple scene when Jesus turns over the tables.
IMO, the most fair and insightful summary of Pope Benedict. He had a pretty good handle on his own abilities I think.
https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/benedict-xvi-faces-his-toughest-critic-himself/
A truly great Pontiff, committed to the authentic, fundamental tenets of the Catholic faith. I will never, ever believe he gave up the papacy willingly. May he Rest in Peace.
The state of the church, worldwide and all the larger old denominations, is very discouraging to me, a disaffected protestant.
Losing Ronald Reagan, Billy Graham, and John Paul left a void not yet filled by people of their influence and stature.
Like them or not, the world was a better place because of the influence of them. I suspect over time, we will see Benedict as the last of that era.
Also, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Maggie Thatcher.
Absolutely.
Too bad the Bidens, the Pelosis, John Kerry and his family, and all the other, faux Catholics didn’t genuinely practice their faith. The entire world would be a MUCH better place!!!!!
“Catholics In Name Only”
Mm hmm.
Their kind give Catholics a bad name; so to speak.
So today I read a german article on Bededict. I think it gave be a better understanding of Benedict’s resignation. What happened before:
. Vatileaks
. the documents had been leaked by his servant Paolo Gabriele
. Gabriele was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in 2012 (inside the Vatican)
. Bendedict visited him in the Vatican jail, forgave him and he was released and disappeared.
.then in february 2013 Benedict resigned.
I think it was the betrayal, but also the revelations about the Vatican and his age, that brought him to resign. Also before he was pope, he several times had asked the pevious pope to let him go, so already then (in his seventies) he wanted to retreat.
The article:
https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/panorama/id_100104344/zum-tod-von-benedikt-xvi-verraten-von-seinem-engsten-vertrauten.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063599/
-The Shoes of the Fisherman
Now that the legitimate Pope is dead can Vigano be the new Pope?
We can only pray on this.
I am not Catholic, but I pray the seat of St. Peter will be graced by the presence of this very good man, who even now remembers those who are imprisoned in Washington D.C., and calls for three days of fasting on their behalf.
https://humanevents.com/2022/12/31/archbishop-vigano-calls-for-3-day-fast-for-jan-6-detainees?utm_campaign=64483
I have never fasted before. It is not a traditional Protestant spiritual discipline. I think I will do this, though.
A few weeks back, I think it was Ausonius (?) who enlightened us on the topic of fasting, with Jesus having identified a particular demon as one who could only be driven out through a combination of prayer and fasting.
If prayer and fasting will drive out the demons who control our nation’s Capitol, well, here’s to giving it a try.
Spread the word.
A thousand thumbs up!!!
I am relieved to know that Joe Biden found Pope Benedict to have “meaningful discussions “.
So glad he approves.
I imagine “Biden’s meaningful conversation” went something like his infamous, arrogant , criminal Ukraine conversation….”So, I told The Church fire that Pope or you ain’t getting that million dollars….. I’ll be a son of a gun if the Pope was gone the next day!”
RIP Pope Benedict.
To revive the Malachy prophecy, Pope Francis will soon step down as he “technically” served in place of Benedict and the next pope elected will be Peter the Roman–the last pope.
There is a prominent cardinal who would be on the short list for pope that would fit that description.
“The last Pope?” Interesting to wonder what the Catholic Church would then do, when Father Time inevitably comes for this “final” human individual.
Concur with your “‘final’ human individual” perspective, but the meaning of the “last pope” here, according to the prophecy, is that this pope will be the one to witness the destruction of Rome and the return of Christ. Thus, we’re talking end of the world in roughly 30-odd years or less. Given the current trends, doubt it will be that long.
In 1996 Malachi Martin published a novel entitled, “Windswept House.” Events portrayed in the book give an accurate prediction of how the corrupt Roman Catholic hierarchy would debauch traditional Catholic doctrine.
Actually, that was prophesied centuries ago and by multiple lay people and religious. For that matter, Benedict himself was clear decades ago, as was St. JPII, that the Church would soon go through its own passion and resurrection.
I remember that.
As well as this more recently- ten years ago:
(Synopsis of video: This guy predicted the resignation of Pope Benedict and named the date)
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=tom+horn+pope&docid=608010560394513959&mid=7381076AFCB1D145CB5F7381076AFCB1D145CB5F&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
For so many decades. Hundreds of years.
Does the Pope Emiratis get the Maxwell Sliver Hammer treatment? “Joseph, Joseph , Joseph, are you dead.”
Don’t get mad at me. that is how they they declare the Pope dead. The Beatles didn’t make it up.
https://pjmedia.com/culture/robert-spencer/2022/12/31/pope-benedict-xvi-has-died-now-whos-the-pope-n1657522
That is an excellent article and would go a long way to clarifying, for those who have limited exposure, the current and recent circumstances in the Church and, by extension, the world.
Pope Benedict XVI was a brilliant theologian and an extraordinary man. He wasn’t a “people person” like John Paul II, but his writings and his steadfast defense of the Church and its teachings were invaluable. What a terrible farce it is that he’s been succeeded by the world’s first Marxist and anti-Catholic pope.
And the interloper survives…
Read Joseph Ratzinger’s Book, Christianity and the Crisis of Cultures, 2006 Ignatius Press. He opposed the EU as being bad for the cultures of Europe.
A man of faith and with a brilliant intellect who had his pulse on the big picture…………..
“The Dictatorship of Relativism (Pope Benedict XVI)”
https://lst.edu/articles/the-dictatorship-of-relativism-pope-benedict-xvi/
“Pope warns Catholics against moral relativism…”
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/pope-warns-catholics-against-moral-relativism-1.1008687
My 93 yr old Mom told me today that the Pope died. Knowing she meant Benedict I said “Ah, we no longer have a Pope”. She agreed.
Smart mom – and obviously VERY with it!
Please check out the website for Ann Barnhardt
https://www.barnhardt.biz/
She is quite knowledgeable on all things Catholic and the popes….
She is very devout
one question…did he know about the gay pedophile priests?
Pope Benedict XVI – 2005-2022. Now that Benedict no longer restrains the imposter pope Bergoglio, things will get worse quickly as he is not even a Catholic but a marxist in sheep’s clothing.
SD: “It’s very unusual for a pope to die while another is in office.”
Another ‘what’ in office?
Francis is no pope. He’ a globalist — i.e. Marxist–i.e. collectivist–i.e. the contradiction of Christianity.
I always wondered about that Liberal Psychiatric care that ‘Francis’ received back in the 70’s. Shows he had some mental issues I wondered if his behavior was ‘modified’?
With a Jesuit? Doubt it. The FBEYE and CIYAY would not not an intervention here, IMO!
Unless both teams infiltrated the Jesuits early on…’Francis’ is from a Communist origin. Recruitment maybe.
Speaks volumes, and not humility.
There is no escape for anyone if they die in their sins.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Only Jesus.
Amen!
Sad news … much more significant than yesterday’s news about Walters.
Maybe they are both significant.
Does any of this back and forth make a lot more sense now after the Twitter Files and Ksnye West revelations? RIP Norm McDonald.
Benedict preferred to quit rather than fight it out with the gay mafia in the Vatican…That mars his entire career…
Sometimes when you are whisked to the Tower, you do not have time to slit your wrists. That coup took place within seconds/minutes/ a day as I remember.
You have proof of that or have you marred your entire credibility?
Cardinal Pell, of Australia has written a deeply knowledgeable and affectionate obituary of Benedict in todays Australian newspaper. Recommended.
I’m sure there will be snide snarky remarks sadly, but as a Traditional Roman Catholic for over six decades, allow me a post to my fellow Catholic/Christians and Men of good will.
We have no idea how the Divine Providence will play out, but we do know with perfect confidence how the story ends, and who triumphs. And so, as we mourn the death of Pope Benedict XVI Ratzinger, and we gaze upon the See of Peter, vacant for the first time since April 2005, we can truly say and mean:
This is the LORD’S doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Pope St. Sylvester, pray for us.
St. Benedict, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Our Lady of Copacabana, pray for us.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us, on Joseph Ratzinger, and on Your Holy Catholic Church.
Requiescet in pace
When it happened nobody knows, but a really great movie ‘The Jesuit’
2020 has been nixed from imdb, rottentomatoes and wikipedia . The movie
featured Ron Perlman, Brian Cox and Tim Roth. These are not smalltime
actors …
THE JESUIT (2020)
DIRECTOR: Alfonso Pineda Ulloa
RELEASE DATE: January 1, 2020
CAST: Brian Cox, Ron Perlman, Tommy Flanagan, Tim Roth, Paz Vega,
Shannyn Sossamon
WRITERS: Paul Schrader
MAIN GENRE: Drama
SUMMARY : A man nicknamed “the Jesuit,” is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t
commit. When his wife is murdered and his son kidnapped and taken to
Mexico, he devises an elaborate and dangerous plan to rescue his son
and avenge the murder.
It appears the movie was re-released in 2022 under a different title — There Are No Saints.
Say what you will.
This Pope spent the last 10 years in seclusion, humility and deep prayer. Perhaps, reparation, as far as I can tell. I am not his judge.
He was a catalyst, by his resignation, and gave all Catholics throughout the world,the gift of ushering in quicker, “The President Donald Trump Effect”, in the Catholic Church. All conspiracy theories, have been proven true.
The Catholic Inc. swamp has been completely revealed. From Uncle Teddy, all the way down to the local archdiocese. Clergy and laypeople. Even the Catholic Politicians, the world over, have had the light of truth shown on them.
Amen.
I offer a rosary for this Pope and for us all.
A brilliant theologian whoi regreted his psarticiaption in the Vatican II making. They were swept by the wind of the times and clearly participated in the ushering of an anti-Christ system. His theology is solid and his books incredibly educational for Catholics and others.
I hope he rests in peace.
This is all part of God’s permissive will.
We live in His time and grace. And we pray and hope that we remain faithful to the end. Fr. Ratzinger did- despite knowing the evil that surrounded him.
When our Lord returns, let’s pray He finds faith in our hearts.
I suppose there’s something symbolic in the death of the last Catholic Pope.
When Ratzinger became pope he was initially unable to enter the United States.
He was named in a criminal case in Texas due to obstruction of justice offenses.
When he became Pope the Texas prosecutor said “call the press . I can’t wait for them see me put handcuffs on him.
It wasn’t until George W. Bush protected him for four days by executive order that Ratzinger was able to safely come to the USA.
Before being pope his job was to manage the numerous sex abuse cases by criminal catholic priests.
They all got off Scott free due to systematic obstruction of justice that Ratzinger was committing.
Keep in mind that the Pope is an ambassador of good will .
As soon as the Vatican ran out of countries with gutless phonies like Bush who would insulate him from prosecution he had to resign.
May that POS rot in hell where he belongs.
Personally think they should sell all their great artworks and live a lot more humble.. 🤷🏼♂️
Also should execute the pedos not protect them.
Popes now days are jokes.
Some of his writings, hopefully readers derive some benefit.
Instruction On Certain Aspects Of The “Theology Of Liberation”. Given August 6, 1984.
https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19840806_theology-liberation_en.html
If it’s too long to read right now, start at section VII.
.
On April 18, 2005 Cardinal Ratzinger gave his final homily just prior to becoming Pope. Here’s an excerpt:
How many winds of doctrine have we known in recent decades, how many ideological currents, how many ways of thinking. The small boat of the thought of many Christians has often been tossed about by these waves – flung from one extreme to another: from Marxism to liberalism, even to libertinism; from collectivism to radical individualism; from atheism to a vague religious mysticism; from agnosticism to syncretism and so forth. Every day new sects spring up, and what St Paul says about human deception and the trickery that strives to entice people into error (cf. Eph 4: 14) comes true.
Today, having a clear faith based on the Creed of the Church is often labeled as fundamentalism. Whereas relativism, that is, letting oneself be “tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of doctrine”, seems the only attitude that can cope with modern times. We are building a dictatorship of relativism that does not recognize anything as definitive and whose ultimate goal consists solely of one’s own ego and desires.
https://www.vatican.va/gpII/documents/homily-pro-eligendo-pontifice_20050418_en.html
the day he resigned from the office.
two lighting strikes
And a quote from John Paul II
“We are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation mankind has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of American society or wide circles of the Christian community realize this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel. It is a trial which the Church must take up!”
“We must be prepared to undergo great trials in the not-too-distant future; trials that will require us to be ready to give up even our lives, and a total gift of self to Christ and for Christ. Through your prayers and mine, it is possible to alleviate this tribulation, but it is not longer possible to avert it…How many times has the renewal of the Church been brought about in blood! It will not be different this time.”1
.
Their name is legion.