Posted on 12/20/2011 6:40:15 PM PST by Salvation
This past weekend, dozens of stories appeared in the English-speaking media, reporting that the health of Pope Benedict XVI is slipping. Most of the headlines referred to the same AP report, and the few “independent” accounts seemed obviously prompted by the AP story. Here’s just a quick sampling:
Just a few weeks ago, on October 24, I asked whether it was Time to start worrying about the Pope's health. I concluded that although the Holy Father is now obviously aging, there is no particular reason for immediate concern. Has anything changed? The short answer: No.
The AP story observed that Pope Benedict has begun using a rolling platform to spare himself the long walk down the aisle of St. Peter’s basilica. That’s true, but it’s not hot news; he began using that platform in October. Informed sources report that the Pontiff has arthritic knees, which ache when he walks long distances. That’s a shame, and the suffering is reason enough to offer a quick prayer for the Pope. But it’s not a cause for panic. You can be a very good Pontiff with very bad knees.
Next AP noted that the Pope has begun scheduling group meetings with the bishops who are in Rome for their ad limina visits, rather than speaking with each prelate individually. Again, that’s old news, which first came out in October.
It’s true that Pope Benedict had a mild stroke some years ago, and it’s true that his older brother has voiced his opinion that Pope Benedict would resign if he became incapacitated. But those facts qualify merely as background information. There’s no evidence of any alarming new medical condition.
Yes, there is evidence that Pope Benedict tires easily. He is now 84 years old—will be 85 in April—and at that age few men can maintain the schedule they once set for themselves. In fact, few men that age can maintain the schedule that the Pope maintains today!
So why the sudden spate of stories about the Pope’s health? The reason, I suspect, is simple. Realizing that millions of people will be turning their attention toward Rome on Christmas Eve, AP provided a “perspective piece,” alerting readers to the likelihood that Pope Benedict will look tired. Then dozens of editors oversold the report—perhaps innocently, in most cases, since they haven’t been following the story until now--with headlines that exaggerated the urgency of the story.
There’s always some reason for concern about the health of a man approaching his 85th birthday. We don’t know how long his strength will hold up. It’s never a bad idea to offer a prayer for the continued health of Pope Benedict. But at the moment, from all the available indications, there’s still no cause for alarm.
**So why the sudden spate of stories about the Pope’s health? The reason, I suspect, is simple. Realizing that millions of people will be turning their attention toward Rome on Christmas Eve**
And exaggeratopn will get the lamestream media nowhere at all.
Pope Benedict will prove the doomsdayers wrong — just watch.
Don’t you hope you could keep up his schedule when YOU are 95 years old?
I pray for Pope Benedict XVI daily, but now during our Holy Days of Christmas I will pray for him more often.
Thank you for the link to the Novena of September 20, 2010.
I frequently pray for the Holy Father, and I am truly, deeply glad we have him. The doomsayers may have their say, but His Holiness’ boss has more sway than any goofy journalist. Viva Il Papa Benedetto XVI!
**His Holiness’ boss has more sway than any goofy journalist.**
ROFL!
You mean that you wouldn't prefer Jimmy Swaggart or Ted Haggard? :)
A second miracle has been attributed to Kateri, and the pope has put her on a track to sainthood. Her canonization is expected in February. Let it be so, Lord, and may she intercede for all the needs posted here almost daily. I’m so happy that the prayers of many are finally being answered. It’s on ABC news front page with the first painting of her by the priest who knew her in life and whom I believe she appeared to after death.
I was extremely impressed with the Pope when his response to the media on what he thought the most dangerous thing facing the world was...moral relativity.
Long live the Pope.
Long live the Pope!!!
My ex-husband is a 2012er. This is getting spooky for me.
This all started with the old msm’s “worries” about Pope Benedict XVI being “tired”. But hey, got to remember that this very busy Advent/Christmas seasons would make anyone tired, including me! :)
God Bless Pope B16!
The liberal media is just wishing.
Lawler tells the truth. The msm doesn’t!
&&&&
Yeah, shocking. /s
Prayers up for Good Pope Benedict.
Amen!!!
;-))))
Prayers up for the old guy, and for all our elderly priests who don’t get to retire at 65, like some of us.
Our pastor, 75, begged our indulgence for wearing sneakers to say Mass lately. Our church is one of those 70’s monstrosities with three long marble steps leading way back to the altar. It’s hard to maneuver for a man who has had several knee and foot surgeries.
The Catholic Church is so impractical sometimes.
We should worry about the Pope health as st Malachy a mystic saint from Ireland said there is one Pope after this one and then the ‘judge of judges comes to judge his people”
Malachy named evey pope since 1143.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_of_the_Popes
We should worry about the Pope health as st Malachy a mystic saint from Ireland said there is one Pope after this one and then the ‘judge of judges comes to judge his people”
Malachy named evey pope since 1143.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_of_the_Popes
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