Tag Archives: Benedict XVI’s resignation

The question of “two Popes” bothers a lot of people. Some thoughts.

Today, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, is also the 70th anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s ordination to the priesthood. It seems a propitious a day to deal with questions that pepper my inbox.  Questions about Benedict’s resignation. The … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Canon Law, Francis, The Drill, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , , ,
31 Comments

The Mazza Hypothesis: Benedict resigned as Bishop of Rome but not Vicar of Christ. Wherein Fr. Z ponders with a heavy heart.

I’ve been pondering lately.   One needs to do this out of love.  Ponder, comes from Latin pondus, “weight”.  Hence, I am weighing things.  Augustine famously wrote, amor meus pondus meum… my love is my weight.  In Augustine’s time, gravity was thought to … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged , , , , , , ,
88 Comments

11 February 2013 – Benedict XVI announced abdication

In 2013, on this day 11 February, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Benedict XVI announced that he would abdicate. There are still a lot of unanswered questions about his resignation. There were several strange events that preceded his announcement. … Read More

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7 Comments

ASK FATHER: Do I sin if I think that Benedict XVI on purpose didn’t resign the papacy?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have become increasingly convinced by those who say that Pope Benedict XVI purposefully performed an invalid resignation of the papacy. Does this belief potentially place me in a state of serious sin? I do not … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, The Drill | Tagged ,
34 Comments

Benedict XVI’s resignation 5 years on. Your thoughts.

Five years ago today, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he would abdicate, effective 28 February.  My posts on that day.   HERE Lightening struck the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Feast then, as today, of Our Lady of Lourdes. I … Read More

Posted in Pope of Christian Unity | Tagged
60 Comments

Where were you 4 years ago?

Where were you four years ago.  This is the fourth anniversary of Pope Benedict’s announcement that he would abdicate. My blog that day HERE You might also remember that on 11 February 2013 lightning struck St. Peter’s Basilica. The photo from Agence … Read More

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43 Comments

BELATED: 3rd Anniversary of Election of Pope Francis

One of you readers – only one – seemed perplexed that I mentioned the 3rd anniversary of Pope Benedict announcing his resignation and the 3rd anniversary of the actual abdication of the papacy, but I didn’t write about the 3rd … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Events, Francis, Lighter fare | Tagged , , ,
11 Comments

Three years ago… Sede Vacante

Three years ago today, Pope Benedict XVI abdicated. My posts from that sad, remarkable day, HERE. For your interest and edification, Benedict’s Last Official Speech.

Posted in Benedict XVI | Tagged ,
16 Comments

Two years ago… Sede Vacante

Two years ago today, Pope Benedict XVI abdicated. My posts from that sad, remarkable day, HERE.

Posted in Benedict XVI, Linking Back | Tagged ,
22 Comments

2nd anniversary of Benedict XVI’s resignation

Today is the 2nd anniversary of one of the saddest days I can recall in the life of the Church. Benedict XVI announced his resignation. At first, I didn’t believe it. Then I watched the video. The Catholic Herald has … Read More

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39 Comments

1 year ago today: Benedict XVI’s pontificate ended

It has already been a year.  What a roller coaster. What I posted last year, as Benedict resigned.  HERE

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged , ,
8 Comments

Benedict XVI thinks your idea is “simply absurd”

Some people are suggesting that Benedict XVI’s resignation wasn’t legal and that he is still Pope.  I wrote about that HERE. From CNA: Benedict XVI affirms validity of his resignation Vatican City, Feb 26, 2014 / 03:47 am (CNA).- Today … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Throwing a Nutty, You must be joking! | Tagged , , ,
44 Comments

SOCCI: Did Pope Benedict really resign? Was it valid? Reeeeeally?

Italian journalist Antonio Socci has opined HERE that perhaps Benedict XVI’s resignation was not canonically valid. Kindly put, this is a stretch and a half. Let’s see what he has to say. The first part of his piece is mostly … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Francis, Lighter fare | Tagged , , ,
44 Comments

Benedict XVI returns to the Vatican

Benedict XVIreturned today to Vatican City after his sojourn at Castel Gandolfo.  He will live in a building in the gardens behind San Pietro which also houses some religious. Here is a shot of the helicopter with Benedict.

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10 Comments

Lighter but still serious fare

Some lighter fare… though with a serious point. In Spanish: The Vatican prohibits the use of Twitter during the Conclave. “Let me in!  I’m not Twitter, I’m the Holy Spirit!” And, from ZENIT, a recent photo it seems of His … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Conclave, The future and our choices | Tagged , ,
19 Comments

Catholic Vote on silly WaPo article about retired Benedict’s sly influence

Over at Catholic Vote (thanks Tom Peters for the link about the Cool Kid’s Conclave and I hope everyone will go read your information about the March for Marriage), there is a good examination of some fantasy literature in the … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Biased Media Coverage, Liberals, Lighter fare, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , ,
7 Comments

Omens and portents and signs! OH MY!

I’ve gotten a couple score emails today already about the fact that there was a minor earthquake centered near Castel Gandolfo, where Benedict is now resting.  It must mean something, right?!? Hey! Earthquakes happen around Rome. Always have, and always will … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Global Killer Asteroid Questions, GO TO CONFESSION, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , ,
33 Comments

Benedict’s Last Official Speech – a summary of his vision

I am sure an official translation will come out soon, if not already, but I wanted to savor the last official words of Pope Benedict XVI.  I did my own, below.  The last off-the-cuff remarks at the window at Castel … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged , , ,
19 Comments

Images of the Pope’s departure

The Holy Father is leaving the Apostolic Palace to go to Castel Gandolfo. Some images… Our final view of Pope Benedict XVI as Roman Pontiff. UPDATE:  The doors are closed.    

Posted in Benedict XVI | Tagged
55 Comments

QUAERITUR: What will the former Pope’s coat-of-arms look like?

From a reader in the combox under another entry: I propose that for Benedict’s new coat of arms, he should keep the keys but remove the mitre and pallium, replacing them with a white galero with 21 tassels. I have … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare | Tagged , , , ,
9 Comments