[joniuk]

I know this seems quite harsh and I apologize to all the Christians if I offend you in any way. But I do not care about the pope. I am sick of all the TV channels saying 'The Pope bla bla bla'. It’s just like our royal family here in England.... THEY DO NOT DO ANYTHING. The Pope does not do anything as the Royal Family does not do anything. It’s just aggravating when things like this dominate the TV!

[ChrisJones]

I'm with you on the way big events seem to dominate everything for a few days, but I do care, and I'm not a Roman Catholic.

I'd say he's a hell of a lot more use than the Royal family. Traditionally the Pope has been a man of great intellect and peace, it appears as though this is the case with Benedict XVI. For example, during the first world was the then pope (Benedict XV I believe) drew up a series of peace proposals to end the conflict. These were of course ridculed by the politicians of the time, however as the war was dragged on the British Prime Minister, embraced all of the Pope's points for peace. Of course he didn't openly admit they were the Pope's points.

In someways our new Pope is quite a contreversial choice as he does have some very conservative views, particularly towards abortion, homosexuality and contraception.

[Dude044]

Originally Posted by joniuk

I know this seems quite harsh and I apologize to all the Christians if I offend you in any way. But I do not care about the pope. I am sick of all the TV channels saying 'The Pope bla bla bla'. It’s just like our royal family here in England.... THEY DO NOT DO ANYTHING. The Pope does not do anything as the Royal Family does not do anything. It’s just aggravating when things like this dominate the TV!

As a non catholic i would have to disagree with you,and also your view of the royal family,you say the pope /the queen do nothing would you like to explain that theory?

[AKA Arizona]

I have to agree on one point, the way the news covers news, they can just grind something to the ground until the next thing pops up then grind on that a while, like a cow chewing grass. I would have reported the POPE JOHN PAUL II DIES, a complete article about all the people who should up and then a picture of him being interned. Then I would have reported A NEW POPE HAS BEEN ELECTED told you his name his new and a nice picture. Maybe not pulitzer prise material, but not every story is going to be , the way most reporters do.

I do have one question about the Pope, how does Joseph Ratzinger become Benedict XVI ? why the name change and is there a list of suitable names?

[josdegr]

Originally Posted by AKA Arizona

I do have one question about the Pope, how does Joseph Ratzinger become Benedict XVI ? why the name change and is there a list of suitable names?

found the following in ref to your question about the naming of the pope.

From early on, many popes changed their names to honor Christian saints or earlier popes, and to show their Christian faith by abandoning pagan names (such as Gerbert). Starting around 1000, the practice became formalized, but the choice of a new name was somewhat political, and popes were often influenced by other church officials. In the 13th century, popes started to choose their names independently. The use of numbers began in the 6th century, when the second Pelagius took the suffix "junior." (He's now referred to as Pelagius II.)

For the last few hundred years, popes have chosen the names of popes they wanted to thank, especially those who helped them rise through the church hierarchy. John Paul I took his double-name to honor two predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI.


how will the new pope pick a name?

[LANMaster]

I care. And I am not a Catholic anymore.

[AKA Arizona]

Good info Thanx.

[Stoner]

I care.
I'm not Catholic nor have I ever been.......but...the Pope does represent a great portion of Christian followers and it is of interest and importance who did fill the shoes and who now fills the shoes of that important position.

TV has had bad broadcasting with out the recent coverage of the Pope, just as many crummy shows on now as several months ago.

Read a book

[linskyjack]

I think that Catholics care---its a media event with all the pomp and circumstance---The RC church does ritual better then anyone else. As far as its importance goes, it's just a confirmation of the doctrine that Pope John Paul had followed during his Papacy.

[Mulderator]

Originally Posted by LANMaster

I care. And I am not a Catholic anymore.

Because they threw you out!

[q_ethics]

The phrase "i'm not catholic" is in no way helping any of your arguments. Infact it is just making you more catholic somehow !

[Dude044]

[quote=q_ethics]The phrase "i'm not catholic" is in no way helping any of your arguments. Infact it is just making you more catholic somehow !

[angelize56]

I'd much rather hear about the Pope than Bush every day!

[ChrisJones]

Originally Posted by q_ethics

The phrase "i'm not catholic" is in no way helping any of your arguments. Infact it is just making you more catholic somehow !

Just becasue we aren't Catholics doesn't mean we can't be interested in the fact that over 1 billion people have just got a new spiritual leader. I fail to see your argument that stating "I'm not a Catholic" makes us more Catholic.

Chris.

[Mulderator]

Originally Posted by angelize56

I'd much rather hear about the Pope than Bush every day!

I'd rather hear about Bush!