I keep asking if he's a legitimate Pope, since the previous one is still alive. Folks in the know say he is.
It's weird. One doesn't go to a Pope for an inspiring message about climate change or the wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr. What the US needs now is a strong voice opposing the slaughter of pre-born and just born infants. Maybe something about putting prayer in our lives. Climate change??
Yes, he is. Five previous Popes before Benedict XVI resigned and their successors were elected while they were still alive. However, Benedict XVI is the first one to resign due to advanced age. The most recent Pope before him to resign (Pope Gregory XII) did so to end a schism.
America needs some Spiritual Climate change
My Prayer would be that we see it and SOON!
Pope Benedict resigned. In his words, “in such a way that the See will be vacant.” I.e., that there would be no Pope.
He could not have expressed himself more clearly.
As to the Pope’s legitimacy - my wife had the same question when he became Pope. She’s Catholic and said a pope “retiring” just never happens. It sounds like some cabal of progressives forced the issue on Pope Benedict. I think we’re seeing why.