So...the Pope died

GameMaster · 04-19-2005, 01:17 PM

Everyone please welcome our new pope, Pope Benedict XVI:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europe...day/index.html

Happydude · 04-19-2005, 01:53 PM

he looks evil...and 78 years old?! man these cardinals like to work, they will be electing another pope within 10 years...it would be much better to elect someone below 60, who can serve for a longer period of time.

Professor S · 04-19-2005, 02:38 PM

I agree that Benedict doesn't have the gentle, grandfather like appearance of Jean Paul, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it "evil". "Severe" is probably a better term to descibe him.

As for age, I'm glad they don't take that into account when voting. I'd rather the most qualified person in the position of leading over a billion people's spiritual lives than a guy chosen for longevity. From what I've gathered, having a Pope for 10 or so years is more the norm than the exception. Jean Paul had one of the longest Papacies on record.

jeepnut · 04-19-2005, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Strangler

I agree that Benedict doesn't have the gentle, grandfather like appearance of Jean Paul, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it "evil". "Severe" is probably a better term to descibe him.

As for age, I'm glad they don't take that into account when voting. I'd rather the most qualified person in the position of leading over a billion people's spiritual lives than a guy chosen for longevity. From what I've gathered, having a Pope for 10 or so years is more the norm than the exception. Jean Paul had one of the longest Papacies on record.

*Cough*John*Cough*

Anyway, it probably also expresses a desire to ease the transition from Pope John Paul II. A young choice would be more likely to make changes over a longer papacy. Not good following such a beloved Pope. Besides, there really is no telling how long his papacy will last.

Canyarion · 04-19-2005, 04:49 PM

He's scary!

Jeepnut, "Truth is not determined by a majority vote." - Pope Benedict XVI, he actually said that?

Bond · 04-19-2005, 04:56 PM

I find calling the Pope evil and scary rather offensive, but whatever. He's very conservative, so I would predict no new changes for the Catholic Church.

DarrenMcLeod · 04-19-2005, 06:41 PM

It'll be interesting how he is. It's weird having a new Pope.

jeepnut · 04-19-2005, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canyarion

He's scary!

Jeepnut, "Truth is not determined by a majority vote." - Pope Benedict XVI, he actually said that?

It's a quote dedicated to him from the site Ratzingerfanclub.com from when he was a cardinal. Not positive he said those exact words, but I would bet from what I know about him, that he at least agrees with it if he didn't say it.

Seth · 04-19-2005, 08:49 PM

He's well suited for political cartoon caricatures.