The Pope has died

[Hotrodder]

It's about time they started picking younger guys to be pope. I've lost count how many I have outlived.

[hughnique]

Sad if you are religious or a catholic, neither of which applies to me, I think the church has a lot to answer for.

[rabbit]

BBC Breaking News this morning
Live Pope dead

[Blaze]

Sad if you are religious or a catholic, neither of which applies to me, I think the church has a lot to answer for.

I'm neither a Catho, just some sort of agnostic (ie not a scientist) but I think he was a good man who tried to change things but came up against resistance from traditionalists. He lived in relatively modest accommodation, rejecting the palatial apartments of his predecessors, and preferred to take a bus with the cardinals than the papal limousine. He recognised global diversity within the church and whilst he stopped short of complete acceptance, he openly embraced LGBTQ individuals. He also strongly advocated the abolition of the death penalty.
He had part of a lung removed following pneumonia when he was 21.
The Vatican has a hierarchy of its own and any pope wishing to make reforms whilst not going against traditional RC dogma is going to have a struggle. His hands are tied before he starts.

[ajm]

If only the guy in charge of USA had anything like the level of empathy for the world, but he hasn't a clue

[Blaze]

We can only hope that the rudeness of the US leader will be his undoing. To take to social media to call the head of the Federal Bank a "major loser" for not lowering the interest rates is just another example of his schoolyard bullying. Whatever we may think of other world leaders, they at least have some decorum when speaking publicly.

[Polly]

Such a huge contrast the two leaders!

[Biloute]

What qualities will the cardinal electors rely on to choose the new pope ? Which major geopolitical players will he have to please ?
It is often thought that the Pope is only the spiritual leader of the world's Catholics. This is to forget that the Vatican is also a state that collects a lot of money from all over the world and that its leader has significant political influence.
Francis does not leave only regrets, especially among patriots in many countries who thought he was openly globalist and pro-immigration...
It is worth remembering how he came to power in 2013:
- January 2013: Blocking of electronic payments at the Vatican (indirect SWIFT shutdown).
- February 2013: Resignation of Benedict XVI.
- March 2013: Election of Pope Francis.
- May-June 2013: Gradual restoration of banking services and normalization of communication with SWIFT.
Benedict XVI was primarily a spiritual leader, with little regard for financial and economic affairs, which displeased a certain elite, particularly the deep state of Obama's America.
So the US blocked the SWIFT system to the Vatican to drain the finances of this small state: no more money transfers, credit card payments, etc.... ruin, basically... And Benedict XVI abdicated (very unusual: last time was in XIII century), claiming health problems, even though he then lived in great health for another 9 years ! And immediately after Francis' election, as if by a miracle, SWIFT was restored... Strange, isn't it ?
Will Trump choose the new pope ? (just asking )

[MAD87]

I've hesitated about commenting as I'm both a lapsed and cynical Catholic.
I'm left cold by the death of a old man in a frock, whatever his reported frugality and well-meaning. I've watched the church for decades protect itself and its corrupt and criminal prelates and nuns while demanding that the faithful pay compensation to its victims

[exile]

I think there was more than a quiet rumour that Benedict was suffering from some form of dementia and the cutting off of SWIFT may just have been a symptom/the final straw for those in the elite that had to look after the daily operations.

I suspect he was pushed as much as volunteering his resignation.