VATICAN CITY (RNS) — While concerns regarding Pope Francis’ health have fueled rumors he might soon resign, Brazilian bishops told Vatican
Vatican City
Vatican City, officially Vatican City State, is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Established with the Lateran Treaty, it is distinct from yet under "full ownership, exclusive dominion, and sovereign authority and jurisdiction" of the Holy See. With an area of 44 hectares, and a pop…
Full Answer
Why did the Pope really resign?
When Benedict announced his resignation the next year, he said he was tired. He was nearly 80 when he was elected pope, and now was pushing 90. He didn't have the energy he felt the job required and that the Church deserved.
What happens after the Pope resigns?
The Pope’s resignation is greatest reform in the Church since the Vatican Council II, a turning point. After Benedict XVI’s decision to renounce the Chair of Peter, nothing will be as it was before in the Holy See. There are both doctrinal and theological questions. And, in the meantime, there are practical, day-to-day questions, which are ...
Can the Pope be replaced or resign?
View the full series. Yes, a pope can resign -- up to 10 popes in history may have resigned, but historical evidence is limited. Most recently, during the Council of Constance in the 15th century, Pope Gregory XII resigned to bring about the end of the Western Schism and a new pope was elected in 1417.
How many Pope have resigned?
Pope Francis said that couples who choose to adopt pets over having children are ‘selfish’ in a bizarre speech in the Vatican. The 85-year-old said the decision to have a pet instead of a child is a ‘denial of fatherhood and motherhood’ and it ‘takes away our humanity’.
What is the health problem with Pope Francis?
Last July, the Argentine-born pope had the left part of his colon removed during a three-hour surgery because his bowel had narrowed. Since then, his health has been in apparent decline, and for the past month Francis has been getting around in a wheelchair, or with the aid of a cane, because of knee pain.
Can a pope resign?
In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign in almost 600 years, since Pope Gregory XII in 1415. Resigning is possible under the Canon law of the Roman Catholic Church, which states that popes are allowed to renounce the role of their own will.
Why did the pope quit?
In a statement, he cited his deteriorating strength due to old age and the physical and mental demands of the papacy. He also declared that he would continue to serve the Church "through a life dedicated to prayer".
Which pope slept with his daughter?
Alexander VI was notorious for fathering at least ten children and having many mistresses. He supposedly had a sexual relationship with his beautiful daughter, Lucrezia. On October 30, 1501, the Borgias threw a dinner party at the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope in the Vatican.
Do popes get paid?
The pope will not be affected by the cuts, because he does not receive a salary. “As an absolute monarch, he has everything at his disposal and nothing at his disposal,” Mr. Muolo said. “He doesn't need an income, because he has everything that he needs.”
Can a Catholic pope be removed?
A papal renunciation (Latin: renuntiatio) also called a papal abdication, occurs when the reigning pope of the Catholic Church voluntarily steps down from his position. As the reign of the pope has conventionally been from election until death, papal renunciation is an uncommon event.
Why is Benedict abdicated?
Benedict cited his advanced age and deteriorating strength as the impetus for his resignation, explaining that his condition had forced him to "recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me."
How many popes have resigned in Catholic Church?
In the Entire History of the Catholic Church, Only a Handful of Popes Have Resigned. Today, Pope Benedict XVI told the world that he would resign. No one saw this coming, really, because no one resigns from the position.
Where is Pope Benedict now?
Benedict, now 94, has been living in the Vatican since resigning as pontiff in 2013. The lawyers were tasked with finding out who knew what and what actions they took. Attention has focused on Benedict's time as the archbishop, between 1977 and 1982, when he was called Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.
Who was the most evil pope in history?
Alexander is considered one of the most controversial of the Renaissance popes, partly because he acknowledged fathering several children by his mistresses....Pope Alexander VIBornRoderic de Borgia (Rodrigo Borja) 1431 Xàtiva, Kingdom of Valencia, Crown of AragonDied18 August 1503 (aged 72) Rome, Papal States20 more rows
Was there a 12 year old pope?
Benedict IX was pope on 3 separate occasions during his lifetime, with the first being when he was just 12 years old. He grew to be a wicked boy and ran from the position to hide within the city when political opponents tried to murder him.
Can Popes be female?
But a woman is barred from becoming pope, because the person chosen for the position would have to be ordained — and women are barred from becoming priests. According to the Catholic Church catechism, Jesus Christ chose 12 men to be his apostles, and they in turn chose men to continue their ministry.