Pope predicts his own short reign

[Sauron]

http://beta.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/2005...alth&printer=1

Pope Predicted a Short Reign to Cardinals

By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press Writer 48 minutes ago

Pope Benedict XVI predicted a "short reign" in comments to cardinals just after his election, and his brother said Wednesday he was worried about the stress the job would put on the 78-year-old pontiff.

Joseph Ratzinger has had ailments in the past, including a 1991 hemorrhagic stroke, that raise questions about how long his papacy will last — and whether the world will watch another pope slowly succumb to age and ailments on a very public stage. Benedict was the oldest pontiff elected in 275 years.

German prelates have expressed concern about Ratzinger's health. One young priest from Cologne, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press in Rome that Benedict has trouble sleeping and has a "delicate constitution." The pope's brother expressed a similar concern in a television interview.

The Vatican refused to comment Wednesday on Benedict's health, citing his privacy. The Vatican never officially confirmed Pope John Paul II suffered from Parkinson's disease until after he died at age 84.

[Legs]

Well I hope he lasts a while because according to the Papal Prophecies - End of Days - SAINT MALACHY, the next Pope is the Anti Christ

9. The Glory of the Olive. The Order of St. Benedict has said this Pope will come from their order. It is interesting that Jesus gave his apocalyptic prophecy about the end of time from the Mount of Olives. This Pope will reign during the beginning of the tribulation Jesus spoke of. The 111th prophesy is "Gloria Olivae" (The Glory of the Olive). The Order of Saint Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. Saint Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil.

10. PETER THE ROMAN - This final Pope will likely be Satan, taking the form of a man named Peter who will gain a worldwide allegiance and adoration. He will be the final antichrist which prophecy students have long foretold. If it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived. The 112th prophesy states: "In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Petrus Romanus, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations; after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End."

Malachy's final words, "Rome, the seat of the Vatican, will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people."

http://www.crystalinks.com/papalprophecies.html

[TomJoe]

Well, the good thing about private revelations, according to the Catholic Church, is ... you don't have to pay them any attention. This prophecy means absolutely nothing to me.

[Sauron]

Originally Posted by TomJoe

Well, the good thing about private revelations, according to the Catholic Church, is ... you don't have to pay them any attention. This prophecy means absolutely nothing to me.

I don't understand the Catholic point here - are they saying that private revelations are not for the entire church?

Or are they saying that because they're private, God would never communicate anything important through a private revelation?

I'm not Catholic so I'm in strange territory here....

Thanks.

[TomJoe]

Originally Posted by Sauron

I don't understand the Catholic point here - are they saying that private revelations are not for the entire church?

Or are they saying that because they're private, God would never communicate anything important through a private revelation?

I'm not Catholic so I'm in strange territory here....

Thanks.

What the Catholic Church says is that ... if you don't want to pay any attention to it, you don't have to. If you think it's for shit, go ahead and think it.

When there are apparitions, revelations and things of that nature ... after they have ended, the Catholic Church will come in and either say: It's bullshit. Or they'll say: What was said here does not contradict the teachings of the Church. That doesn't make what was said binding however. It just says that while some things might be edifying for people to reflect upon, it doesn't add anything of great significance to the life of a Catholic more than what the Catholic Church herself teaches authoritatively. So, if you want to do without it, do without it.

[Sauron]

Originally Posted by TomJoe

What the Catholic Church says is that ... if you don't want to pay any attention to it, you don't have to. If you think it's for shit, go ahead and think it.

When there are apparitions, revelations and things of that nature ... after they have ended, the Catholic Church will come in and either say: It's bullshit. Or they'll say: What was said here does not contradict the teachings of the Church. That doesn't make what was said binding however. It just says that while some things might be edifying for people to reflect upon, it doesn't add anything of great significance to the life of a Catholic more than what the Catholic Church herself teaches authoritatively. So, if you want to do without it, do without it.

So it's considered like an extra item? An optional thing? Not part of the "mandatory set" of teachings?

[TomJoe]

Originally Posted by Sauron

So it's considered like an extra item? An optional thing? Not part of the "mandatory set" of teachings?

Yes, on all counts.

[beyelzu]

I find the whole this is a miracle but you dont have to buy into it kind of weird.

[TomJoe]

Originally Posted by beyelzu

I find the whole this is a miracle but you dont have to buy into it kind of weird.

How come? As far as the Church is concerned, while it may be "Hey, cool ... look at this!" it probably has the most relevance to those who experienced it and will have little to no impact on anyone else.

Take Lourdes for instance ... supposedly a number of people have been healed at Lourdes, so much so that the Catholic Church actually employs doctors to examine these cases. So ... if people have been miraculously cured, while I might find it interesting, it's not a reason to keep me Catholic. I'm happy for these people, if they've been cured ... but for me, it has no impact on my life.

[beyelzu]

Originally Posted by TomJoe

How come? As far as the Church is concerned, while it may be "Hey, cool ... look at this!" it probably has the most relevance to those who experienced it and will have little to no impact on anyone else.

Take Lourdes for instance ... supposedly a number of people have been healed at Lourdes, so much so that the Catholic Church actually employs doctors to examine these cases. So ... if people have been miraculously cured, while I might find it interesting, it's not a reason to keep me Catholic. I'm happy for these people, if they've been cured ... but for me, it has no impact on my life.

yeah, but proof of an honest to god by the book miracle might persuade some of us militant atheists to consider the catholic church.

[Shake]

He predicts a short reign? Well, no shit! I don't think anyone is expecting another 25 year run!

Hmm, let's see. Starting a new job at age 78, yeah, I don't think he'll be there all that long. Besides, didn't I just hear how he's already experiencing some health problems?

[TomJoe]

Originally Posted by beyelzu

yeah, but proof of an honest to god by the book miracle might persuade some of us militant atheists to consider the catholic church.

Which is why the Catholic Church says : Look at it and take from it what you want. If the Catholic Church says : This was a miraculous event ... it's not as if you're going to take that at face value. You're going to look at the evidence for yourself regardless of what the Vatican says.