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.
Even Peter had a Sword- all modern popes have armed bodyguards.. so should their sheep do likewise..or it is hypocrisy...Paul had an armed escort to Caesarea
And why are you "of all people" funny? Is that amusing? I don't usually peruse "religion" threads, so I am inexperienced. Are you famous?
Sorry but Ex-POPE Benedict was not a pope any more nor A HEAD OF STATE NEITHER coz he retired from both but still got a ride in an armored car with bodyguards in cars following him 0- Gimme a break-
I’m an ex-prot, Catholic convert.
Interesting. So you believe that Bush should not have SS protection?
Very reasonable. And, BTW, I am your Brother, as you referenced above (I was going to answer that post, but came to this one first). We walk the same path, Ann.
I know.....God Help us all!!!
Does that come with a corkscrew and toothpick?
However it is classless and sickening to hear someone critizie the faith, beliefs or rituals of others.
Give it a break.
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You must’ve had some ferocious arguments after 9/11 when I'm sure you used this same rational to defend the savages who slit the throats of innocent flight attendants?
Yes, and one must always allow for silliness. Very important. God’s way of saving us from ourselves. Too many people are too serious. I’m considered “too serious.”
Why would you respond to my honest question with such a question as yours?
If you want my honest answer then here it is, how about the church of HYPOCRISY, after all that's been around as long as anyone professing to be a Christian or a Christian leader. Is it necessary for me to mention Swaggert, Baker, pedophile priests and thousands of others?
I'm trying my damnest to get beyond that huge road block bro but you ain't helping me one bit.
he is famous, one of the top Civil War Generals
I thought they were all dead?
I liked Lee. He said that war is ugly, and that’s good because otherwise we’d become to fond of it. But I was wondering if the poster was somehow famous.
I was talking about his FR handle obviously.
Is he famous? I suppose that is always a possibility here on FR!.
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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?NYer has answered you well, but to address rituals further: they bring one closer to God.
It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass. --Padre Pio
He was making a quip on your word “defacing” (de facing). As a protestant I find the various traditions a bit too much and odd sometimes. But that is mostly due to a lack of knowledge or miss understanding of them. The explanation of the red shoes and the ring in this thread was interesting.
You must’ve had some ferocious arguments after 9/11 when I’m sure you used this same rational to defend the savages who slit the throats of innocent flight attendants?
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Give it a break and dont be a fool. There is a world of difference between mass murder and a faith’s harmless rituals. When did FR turn into a classless drama-queen city?
We miss you, Holy Father, Emeritus +
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