Good God, they choose Emperor Palpatine

[Skirmisher]

Well we have a new Pope, and I swear he reminds me of the Evil Emperor from Star Wars.

Cardinal Ratzinger aka Pope Benedict XVI.

One of the most conservative Cardinals of course.

I hope he is able to embrace a more open viewpoint in the future at least.

Le sigh.

:(

[Warriorbird]

Doubt it.

[Wezas]

He's already 80 something. Why couldn't they just pick someone in their 60's, who won't be dead or incomprehensible in 5 years?

[Asha]

Totally couldn't care less.
Infact I retract my post , due to not caring enough to post.

:yawn:

[CrystalTears]

Originally posted by Wezas
He's already 80 something. Why couldn't they just pick someone in their 60's, who won't be dead or incomprehensible in 5 years?

Because, according to what I heard, that they choose a much older pope now to continue the teachings that the previous pope had, and then after he's gone, they choose a younger pope again. They go back and forth between younger and older when they choose. Again, this is what I've heard so far and looking to see if I find out other info.

[Hips]

Hmm...

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by Wezas
He's already 80 something. Why couldn't they just pick someone in their 60's, who won't be dead or incomprehensible in 5 years?

This is the rebound pope after the Catholic Church's love affair with JPII. It'd be silly to pick one who will stick around too long.

Jorddyn, thought JPII wasn't half bad, not so sure about the new guy

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by CrystalTears
Because, according to what I heard, that they choose a much older pope now to continue the teachings that the previous pope had, and then after he's gone, they choose a younger pope again. They go back and forth between younger and older when they choose. Again, this is what I've heard so far and looking to see if I find out other info.

You're pretty much correct. It's not a law, but rather the way it typically happens. After having the same pope for nearly 30 years, the church needs to re-evaluate its teachings, needed changes, what it wants to become. A short term pope is a good candidate while they're re-evaluating. They can then pick a younger, long-term pope who fits the mold they want.

Jorddyn

[Sean of the Thread]

Originally posted by Jorddyn

Originally posted by CrystalTears
Because, according to what I heard, that they choose a much older pope now to continue the teachings that the previous pope had, and then after he's gone, they choose a younger pope again. They go back and forth between younger and older when they choose. Again, this is what I've heard so far and looking to see if I find out other info.

You're pretty much correct. It's not a law, but rather the way it typically happens. After having the same pope for nearly 30 years, the church needs to re-evaluate its teachings, needed changes, what it wants to become. A short term pope is a good candidate while they're re-evaluating. They can then pick a younger, long-term pope who fits the mold they want.

Jorddyn

I agree with two things.. one being your view on this and two I agree that he looks like fukin Palpatine.

"The Catholic Church is a pathway to power that some consider to be Sploitz!"
http://zhangw.com/mirror/SW_ep3_trailer_captioned.wmv


[Edited on 4-19-2005 by Xyelin]

[Landrion]

Originally posted by Wezas
He's already 80 something. Why couldn't they just pick someone in their 60's, who won't be dead or incomprehensible in 5 years?

One article I read mentions that lifespan is exactly the reason they choose older popes. With modern mediciine even an 80 year old pope can potentially get a 10+ year reign in. They dont want one individual for 30+ years.

[Hulkein]

Originally posted by Wezas
He's already 80 something. Why couldn't they just pick someone in their 60's, who won't be dead or incomprehensible in 5 years?

They wanted a quick papacy for the one that had to follow John Paul.

[Hulkein]

And two people already answered you before me.

I lose.

[Jorddyn]

Originally posted by Hulkein
They wanted a quick papacy for the one that had to follow John Paul.

I guess getting chosen had to be a little bittersweet. "Congratulations! We chose you because you're going to die soon."

Jorddyn

[Caiylania]

Yup, according to the Italian's here the opinion varies.

Either they picked him so they can start keeping shorter "reigns" as someone put it.

Or basicly they didn't have a truly good candidate so this one will last long enough to scour for a 'true' pope before this guy kicks the bucket.

I hate to be irreverant but... I stopped following the Catholic beliefs years ago.

[Edited on 4-19-2005 by Caiylania]