"(Reuters) - Pope Benedict shocked the world on Monday by saying he no longer had the mental and physical strength to cope with his ministry, in an announcement that left his aides "incredulous" and will make him the first pontiff to step down since the Middle Ages.
The German-born Pope, 85, hailed as a hero by conservative Roman Catholics and viewed with suspicion by liberals, told cardinals in Latin that his strength had deteriorated recently. He will step down on February 28 and the Vatican expects a new Pope to be chosen by the end of March.
Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the Pope had not decided to resign because of "difficulties in the papacy" and the move had been a surprise, indicating that even his inner circle was unaware that he was about to quit.... "
No. This is all a result of his complicity in the Vatican coverup. The protection of priests proven to be guilty of sexual abuse and predatory behavior toward children. The guy is despicable. He could have excommunicated the offenders years ago but left many in place or in the priesthood. He should resign.
I heard that he will now be taking an executive leadership position with Halliburton and leading that corporations efforts to expand into the child pornography market.
Although you are a true friend , you will not be a Facebook Friend!
Unless of course your LAW career takes you to heights never imagined!
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
Da POPE latest Twitter feed
Edit: "...both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me."
Has he tried praying for the strength to carry on? I mean, he's the fuking pope and all. People go to HIM for strength and power and guidance and sh#t... presumably because he has a direct line to god and not because he is a Sith lord. He tells women to find strength in god during an unwanted pregnancy and the rest of us to deal with the unwanted child... he tells homosexuals to find strength in god that they might be saved from their evil ways. Why can't Bennie find strength in god to continue riding around in his bullet proof golden chariot, surrounded by immeasurable worldly weath, and wave to the sheeple? It can't be THAT hard.
Let us know!