Doors of Castel Gandolfo closed. Credit: EWTN.
Posted on 02/28/2013 2:04:29 PM PST by NYer
.- With the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday evening, the Swiss Guards have left their posts and sealed the gates of the former pontiff's temporary residence of Castel Gandolfo.
A crowd of Catholic faithful gathered Feb. 28 outside the papal vacation spot. At 8 p.m. Roman time, a loud bell rang eight times as they shouted “Viva il Papa!” or “Long live the Pope!”
The Swiss Guards entered Castel Gandolfo and hung up their ceremonial weapons – called halberds – on the inner walls as there is no longer a sitting Pope for them to protect.
Vatican gendarmes dressed in black uniforms have relieved the guards. The doors of Castel Gandolfo have been sealed, symbolizing the vacancy of the See of Peter and the lights of the papal residence in Vatican City are dark.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has exchanged his red papal shoes for simple brown ones given to him on his recent trip to Leon in Mexico. He now wears a simple white cassock without the mozzetta – the short cape that covers his shoulders.
Benedict XVI traveled to Castel Gandolfo by helicopter and car two hours before his resignation took effect. Hundreds of Catholic faithful greeted his arrival to hear his final words as pontiff.
“I’m simply a pilgrim that is starting the last stage of his pilgrimage on Earth,” he remarked, “but I would still like with my heart, with my love, with my prayer, with my reflection, with all my inner strength to work for the common good of the Church and of humanity, and I feel very supported by your sympathy.”
“Let’s go ahead together with the Lord for the good of the Church and of the world,” he said before making his final apostolic blessing.
“Thank you and good night. Thanks to all of you,” Pope Benedict said before departing from the Castel Gandolfo balcony.
Now that he has resigned, the former Pope will live at Castel Gandolfo for two months before moving to a monastery inside Vatican City. In the upcoming days, 115 cardinals will gather at the Vatican to elect his successor.
I hope you are following the coverage on EWTN. Vatican Correspondent, Joan Lewis, has done an outstanding job these past few days, providing interesting insights into how the Vatican functions, crops grown on the grounds of Castel Gandalfo and a host of other fascinating facts and figures.
Everything within the Catholic religion seems to be so ritualistic, down to the removal of the Pope’s red shoes and the “defacing” of his ring. Why is that? Why is it necessary?
Try looking it up on the internet. The answers are out there.
and has Uzi-armed bodyguards at the castle-
The castle AND THE VATICAN are not gun-free zones= SORRY!!
he had a nose ring? i didnt know that
“Everything within the Catholic religion seems to be so ritualistic. Why is that”? Oh, maybe because it’s a RELIGION!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2990320/posts
—— Everything within the Catholic religion seems to be so ritualistic, down to the removal of the Pope’s red shoes and the “defacing” of his ring. Why is that? Why is it necessary? ——
It’s not necessary. But do we only perform actions that are necessary?
Do you object to the presidential inauguration?
I don’t, even though it’s not necessary. But it is fitting.
Catholics believe that the Pope is the successor in office of Peter. So these ceremonies are fitting for such an exalted office.
Can we make this a Caucus thread, so that we don’t have to wade through this garbage? Please?
The pope wears red shoes to remind him (and us) that he has committed his life to God, right down to the shedding of his blood. In the first centuries, the majority of those elected pope knew their reign would be short and end in martyrdom.
As for defacing the ring, EWTN's news director, Raymond Arroyo addressed that very question the other day, on his blog. Here is the explanation.
The destruction of the Papal Ring: Since so many of you are asking, I'll give you a brief rundown. The Ring of the Fisherman represents the Pope's authority and his office. The lead seal of the ring holds a bas relief of St. Peter the Apostle gathering fish from the side of his boat. Above the image is the name of the present Pope--the latest successor of Peter.
In days gone by, the ring was used to seal official papal documents. The image on the ring was impressed upon the wet wax on the back of a letter or envelope. Traditionally people in an audience with the Pope will kiss his ring as a display of affection for the office and the man who occupies it. Once a Pope dies, or in this case, retires, the ring must be destroyed. This is done by the Camerlengo (the chamberlain who runs the day to day affairs of the Church in the Pope's absence). He will go into the papal apartment, deface the seal with a knife and smash it with a mallet. This represents the end of the Pope's authority and his reign. The smashed ring is collected and usually buried with a Pope. This time the ring's remnants will likely be reserved until Benedict, the Pope Emeritus, goes to his reward.
A new ring bearing the next pope's name will be cast and placed on his finger during the inaugural Mass, signifying his supreme authority in the Church. Much more in the days ahead. Stay tuned. Our first World Over broadcast from Rome will be on March 7th. See you then.
The interregnum (period without a pope) and conclave (where the cardinals are literally locked up until they elect a successor) are steeped in tradition and can be quite fascinating. The best coverage will be provided by EWTN (check your local cable/satellite dish provider for the station. There you will gain great insight into how these practices evolved, why cardinals wear red, who governs the church when there is no pontiff and what is happening behind those closed doors. Best of all, coverage is without commercial interruption.
Should you have any other questions, do not hesitate to ask. I will do my best to provide an answer or point you in the right direction.
Freeper Hot Tabasco posed a sincere question to which I have provided a response (see post #11). I am grateful for the question and the opportunity afforded all of us to share some facts regarding these interesting rituals. Check out the response. It’s quite enlightening.
he belongs in a gun-free zoned nunnery
Guess there's no further use in asking questions on this site's religion forum........Sorry I took up anyone's time, especially yours...
I didn’t know that. Thanks!
Who said that? It wasn't me......
Maybe you need to ask some questions..........
You have FReepmail.
pomp and circumstance are not Christianity
Oh, maybe because it’s a RELIGION!
I tried a Baptist church for a year and they didn't have all those rituals. You need to give me a better explanation than that..........Better yet, don't.
I don't need your crap or any other snarky comments to a legitimate question. You're pretty much reinforcing most of the negative impressions I've been trying to ignore about religion for most of my life........
Sorry to bother you....
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