The Pope has retired. What an amazing thing. He can no longer wear his red shoes. I watched some of the news coverage and that seemed like an important fact. The Pope did look old and frail, they all do when I picture them, but walked a short distance with his cane. After a farewell address, off in a helicopter he went. They say we may not see him again.
He was the Bishop of Rome. That is his title. He is believed to be a successor to St. Peter and holder of the keys to heaven. A Shepard as well. An important figure for sure. A powerful man. But in the end, a man nonetheless. And man is subject to time. I believe what this man has done was a decision not easily reached but unselfish in its' action.
The Cardinals have not decided when to begin voting for the next Pope. I understand they wanted to wait until the previous Pope had retired. That made sense, but why wait now ? I can understand if the Pope had passed away. A period of mourning is appropriate but this man retired. What's the hold up ?
It is a big decision and will affect millions around the world. Those that practice Catholicism will be impacted as well as those who don't. It is not only religious but political as well.
I will say for the record I am not a Catholic. I am certainly no scholar of Catholicism and suffer from some misconceptions about their beliefs and religious practices. I am a protestant. We protested against the Pope lo those many years ago. That being said, I do hope the Cardinals elect a new Pope that will guide the faithful. If there is anything we need more in this world it is faith. The God you should choose to pray to, or religion you choose to practice is not so important. It is the belief and following of the doctrine that is important. All the major religions teach the same core values. It is only in the confusion of interpretation that the message gets jumbled. There is no denying the Catholic church is a major influence in the world. The Pope holds great power and responsibility.
The election of a Pope. It probably is best not to rush in.
He was the Bishop of Rome. That is his title. He is believed to be a successor to St. Peter and holder of the keys to heaven. A Shepard as well. An important figure for sure. A powerful man. But in the end, a man nonetheless. And man is subject to time. I believe what this man has done was a decision not easily reached but unselfish in its' action.
The Cardinals have not decided when to begin voting for the next Pope. I understand they wanted to wait until the previous Pope had retired. That made sense, but why wait now ? I can understand if the Pope had passed away. A period of mourning is appropriate but this man retired. What's the hold up ?
It is a big decision and will affect millions around the world. Those that practice Catholicism will be impacted as well as those who don't. It is not only religious but political as well.
I will say for the record I am not a Catholic. I am certainly no scholar of Catholicism and suffer from some misconceptions about their beliefs and religious practices. I am a protestant. We protested against the Pope lo those many years ago. That being said, I do hope the Cardinals elect a new Pope that will guide the faithful. If there is anything we need more in this world it is faith. The God you should choose to pray to, or religion you choose to practice is not so important. It is the belief and following of the doctrine that is important. All the major religions teach the same core values. It is only in the confusion of interpretation that the message gets jumbled. There is no denying the Catholic church is a major influence in the world. The Pope holds great power and responsibility.
The election of a Pope. It probably is best not to rush in.
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