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Can a Pope abdicate?

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Janet 693215

Janet 693215 Report 6 Feb 2005 13:18

I have just heard on the news that the Pope has said he will carry on. I did not think that a Pope could decide to abdicate. I was under the impression that as he is elected with God's guidance, by Cardinals, he could only be removed from office in a similar manner.

Maz from Cornwall

Maz from Cornwall Report 6 Feb 2005 13:24

Yes. The following Popes have abdicated: Marcellinus in 304 A.D.; Liberius in 366 A.D.; Benedict IX in 1045 A.D.; Gregory VI in 1046 A.D.; St. Celestine V in 1294 A.D.; and Gregory XII in 1415 A.D. Mazzie xx

Janet 693215

Janet 693215 Report 6 Feb 2005 13:39

I guess I'm just ignorant of catholisism.I would have thought that as God's representative on Earth, only God would be able to make the decision.

Sandra

Sandra Report 6 Feb 2005 13:59

A dedicated pope does it till death, as is Gods will, a bit like a monarch really sandra

Unknown

Unknown Report 6 Feb 2005 14:12

God doesn't elect the Pope, the Cardinals do. In the Middle Ages there were two Popes, one in Rome and one in Avignon. nell

Janet 693215

Janet 693215 Report 6 Feb 2005 14:43

I wonder how many people in the last few months have turned up at St Peters Square just to see how much the Pope has degenerated. Everytime I see him featured on the news he's bent over double dribbling. Hardly dignified is it.