The whole scenario unfolding in the Vatican reminds me so much of Nixon's last days

[rurallib]

The denials, the painting of the accusers as somehow not patriotic (or in this case trying break 'the Church'), attacking the press and on and on and on.
I fully expect Henry Kissinger to fly to the Vatican to pray with the Pope one of these days. That is if Henry could go to Europe without getting arrested.

Anyone else see any similarities or is it just me?

[terrell9584]

1. No

Here is a primer on basic Catholic theology:

Catholics believe they are the true church. They believe (and I am Catholic) that Jesus founded the Catholic Church when he made Peter the first pope. They believe that all ecclessiastical authority derives from Jesus through Peter. They also believe that every pope is placed upon the throne because God wants them there.


Benedict cannot and will not resign. If Benedict resigned it would be obvious to all that it was man and not God who made him resigned. If that happened, it would blow huge logical holes in the basic tenants of Catholic theology and it would seriously threaten the continued existence of the church. There is only one way out for Benedict and that is death. The only way in which Benedict could resign and the church survive would be if there was a Marian apparation that could be verified saying he needed to or some hidden text in the Vatican archives that could be used as evidence that his resignation was prophesied. Otherwise it just won't happen.

[Not Me]

2. Benedict CAN but WON'T resign

It has been done in the (distant) past. He could also retire (for health reasons, etc.)
But he won't. As head of state he enjoys legal protections that he may need in the not too far off future.

[terrell9584]

5. That was back in the days when there were no religious skeptics

And that was back when there was no alternative to the Catholic Church really.


In the modern age the church couldn't survive his retirement. The only way out for him is death.

[pnwmom]

7. There have always been people fighting about religion. One of the major papal

retirements was during a schism involving three different pretenders to the papacy, but the Church continued forward.

[pnwmom]

6. He could resign because of feeble health. And he does seem weaker lately.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_resignation

Papal resignation is envisaged as a possibility in canon 332 §2 of the Code of Canon Law and canon 44 §2 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. The only conditions for the validity of the resignation are that it be made freely and be manifested properly.<1>
Canon law does not specify any particular individual or body or people to whom the Pope must manifest his resignation, leaving perhaps open the possibility of doing so to the Church or the world in general. But some commentators hold that the college of cardinals or at least its Dean must be informed, since the cardinals must be absolutely certain that the Pope has renounced the dignity before they can validly proceed to elect a successor.[

[rurallib]

3. whether he quits or not, it still reminds me of Nixon's last days

And I am quite aware of Catholic teachings and traditions.

[Stuart G]

9. I agree with you..reminds me of Nixon. nt

[monmouth]

4. Godfather III...Seeming more and more realistic as this saga progresses...n/t

[Not Me]

8. hah! I was just gonna bring up Godfather III

"Your eminence, would you like some tea?"

[monmouth]

10. Hahaha, delicious...n/t