Pope - new facts, open questions...
New facts…
- The Vatican is acknowledging for the first time that Pope Benedict XVI has had a pacemaker for years and that its battery was replaced a few months ago in secret.
- His brother said that “I don’t think he will write anymore,” Ratzinger said.
Unanswered questions…
Respected Vatican commentator John Allen offers a list of all the times the spokesperson, Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi, replied to questions with some version of “I don’t have precise information on that.” They included:
- Exactly when will Benedict XVI depart for Castel Gandolfo after the formal end of his papacy at 8 p.m. Rome time Feb. 28, and when exactly will he return to move into a former monastery on Vatican grounds?
- What will happen to symbols of Benedict’s papacy, such as papal ring and seal?
- Will Benedict take part in the public ceremonies of his successor, such as the installation Mass of the new pope?
- What will Benedict’s title be after he steps down?
- Who exactly will move in with Benedict to run his household and act as aides?
Lombardi was charmingly frank in conceding that this is a “new situation” and it’s not always “immediately obvious” how things will play out.
Informed insights…
- Was this truly a surprise?
- When will the conclave begin?
- What’s Benedict XVI going to do in the meantime?
- What will Benedict’s role being in the election of his successor?
- What will Benedict do after the new pope is on the job?
- What are the implications of all this for future popes?
Tags: Pope
“Until Feb. 28, (some major Vatican) offices essentially face a ticking clock. Once Benedict formally steps aside, their leaders must resign and all their work, except that considered most essential for the basic functioning of the church, must come to a halt.1 Comment
“Until Feb. 28, (some major Vatican) offices essentially face a ticking clock. Once Benedict formally steps aside, their leaders must resign and all their work, except that considered most essential for the basic functioning of the church, must come to a halt.