FROM CATHOLIC HERALD
The existence of the letter, which was given to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, ”does not at all mean that resigning popes should become, let’s say, ‘the fashion,’ a normal thing”, the Pope said.
“Benedict had the courage to do it because he did not feel like going on because of his health. I for the moment do not have that on my agenda,” he said.
“Think that the ministry of the great patriarchs is always for life,” the Pope added. “And the historical tradition is important.”
Resignation, he said, “hasn’t crossed my mind”.
PAT SAYS
I do think that Francis’ current ministry of challenging Vatican II Deniers is important and that he should keep going.
However, I think Benedict undermined the Papacy is for life theory by resigning.
It led to the situation whereby we had two popes – a reigning pope and an emeritus pope.
I think there is nothing wrong with a pope resigning.
But he should not bear the title “pope emeritus”.
He should return to being a cardinal and be known as Cardinal ******** Bishop emeritus of Rome.
Nor should he live in Rome.
Benedict should have retired to his native Germany with his husband George
The pope is the Bishop of Rome.
A retired pope is no longer a pope and should simply be a bishop emeritus.
The Church is led by the Bishop of Rome and in communion with the world’s bishops, expressing and teaching the sens
Sensus fidei (sense of the faith), also called sensus fidelium (sense of the faithful) is, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “the supernatural appreciation of faith on the part of the whole people, when, from the bishops to the last of the faithful, they manifest a universal consent in matters of faith and morals.”
And this really means something that popes, bishops and priests often forget…..
That the Holy Spirit speaks through all God’s people.
BISHOP PAT BUCKLEY 