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Swiss Guards seal gates, leave service of Pope Emeritus
cna ^ | February 28, 2013

Posted on 02/28/2013 2:04:29 PM PST by NYer

Doors of Castel Gandolfo closed. Credit: EWTN.

Vatican City, Feb 28, 2013 / 12:41 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- 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.


TOPICS: Catholic; Current Events; Prayer
KEYWORDS: benedict; swissguards; vatican
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To: Salvation

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


61 posted on 02/28/2013 4:51:18 PM PST by bunkerhill7 ("The Second Amendment has no limits on firepower"-NY State Senator Marchione.)
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To: JCBreckenridge
Then I think it's the prerogative of the "threadstarter" to ask for some kind of thread status change, right?

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?

62 posted on 02/28/2013 4:53:26 PM PST by Cyber Liberty (I am a dissident. Will you join me? My name is John....)
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To: Salvation

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-


63 posted on 02/28/2013 4:54:49 PM PST by bunkerhill7 ("The Second Amendment has no limits on firepower"-NY State Senator Marchione.)
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To: Cyber Liberty

I’m an ex-prot, Catholic convert.


64 posted on 02/28/2013 4:57:57 PM PST by JCBreckenridge (Texas is a state of mind - Steinbeck)
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To: bunkerhill7

Interesting. So you believe that Bush should not have SS protection?


65 posted on 02/28/2013 4:59:01 PM PST by JCBreckenridge (Texas is a state of mind - Steinbeck)
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To: Ann Archy

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.


66 posted on 02/28/2013 4:59:14 PM PST by Cyber Liberty (I am a dissident. Will you join me? My name is John....)
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To: NYer
I've always thought that this is Swiss Guard!


67 posted on 02/28/2013 5:00:55 PM PST by Revolting cat! (Bad things are wrong! Ice cream is delicious!)
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To: Cyber Liberty

I know.....God Help us all!!!


68 posted on 02/28/2013 5:01:56 PM PST by Ann Archy (ABORTION........the HUMAN sacrifice to the god of CONVENIENCE.)
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To: Revolting cat!

Does that come with a corkscrew and toothpick?


69 posted on 02/28/2013 5:02:56 PM PST by Cyber Liberty (I am a dissident. Will you join me? My name is John....)
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To: Chickensoup
You know, I am not Catholic.

However it is classless and sickening to hear someone critizie the faith, beliefs or rituals of others.

Give it a break.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

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?

70 posted on 02/28/2013 5:05:22 PM PST by bramps (Sarah Palin got more votes in 2008 than Mitt Romney got in 2012)
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To: Ann Archy

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.”


71 posted on 02/28/2013 5:06:44 PM PST by Cyber Liberty (I am a dissident. Will you join me? My name is John....)
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To: PapaBear3625
The Church has survived for two thousand years. Name a currently-surviving institution that comes close.

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.

72 posted on 02/28/2013 5:07:47 PM PST by Hot Tabasco (God bless you Tommy and thank you for your service: http://swiftboats.org/tribute/tribute.html)
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To: Cyber Liberty

he is famous, one of the top Civil War Generals


73 posted on 02/28/2013 5:09:19 PM PST by GeronL (http://asspos.blogspot.com)
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To: GeronL

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.


74 posted on 02/28/2013 5:13:29 PM PST by Cyber Liberty (I am a dissident. Will you join me? My name is John....)
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To: Cyber Liberty

I was talking about his FR handle obviously.

Is he famous? I suppose that is always a possibility here on FR!.


75 posted on 02/28/2013 5:22:06 PM PST by GeronL (http://asspos.blogspot.com)
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To: NYer
Benedict’s Last Official Speech – a summary of his vision (with commentary)
Pope Benedict's kiss goodbye (CNA editor's son)
Swiss Guards seal gates, leave service of Pope Emeritus
Pope's last words: Thank you for your friendship and love
Benedict XVI pledges respect, obedience to future Pope
Cardinal O’Malley: ‘Difficult to forecast’ pope’s successor
Holy Father's meeting with Cardinals-live
Benedict XVI Vows Obedience To Successor As Pope
More on Benedict’s revolutionary act: his astonishing predictions
Pope's brother slams Cardinal Danneels

Pope's brother gives interview on Papal resignation
Cardinal Wuerl describes spiritual experience of conclave (and work of the Holy Spirit)
Cardinal says next Pope likely to be young (interesting insight into how a pope is chosen)
Cardinal Arinze: Pope's resignation was a 'surprise, like thunder'
French archbishop criticizes Papal decision to resign
Pope announced canonisation of 800 martyrs slaughtered by Muslim troops
FATHER BARRON TO REPORT ON PAPAL ABDICATION (NBC & MSNBC)
Some distinctly non-canonical musings on the status of an ex-pope
Benedict’s Men: U.S. Vocations Strengthen During His Eight-Year Papacy
Pope has 'cleaned up the episcopate,' nuncio says

Benedict XVI's Final General Audience
Pope confident God will guide Church in days ahead (150,000 fill St. Peter's Square)
Pope Recalls "Joy" Of Papacy, And Difficulties
The Papacy and the 'Gay Mafia'
Pope Benedict's new name revealed
Pope Benedict chooses his new wardrobe
Call Me the Optimist – A Meditation on Recent Reports of Crisis and Conclave
Young, new Philippine cardinal has extensive international ties
Cardinal Keith O’Brien resigns, will not go to conclave
Benedict XVI’s new Motu Proprio about the Conclave (date regulations officially changed)

The 'strictest' secrecy: a look at how conclaves work
Pope will change rule for conclave date tomorrow [today]
Pope Benedict says he is not 'abandoning the Church' (tens of thousands fill square)
Communiqué of the Secretariat of State on the upcoming Conclave
Ratzinger's forgotten prophesy (sic) on the future of the Church
Homosexual Network at the Vatican, Yes; Reason for the Pope's Resignation, No
Castel Gandolfo prepares to receive first retired Pope
Vatican slams media for trying to influence papal vote
In Defense of the Papacy: 9 Reasons True Christians Follow the Pope
The Church Doesn't Need a Revolution

The Reason Benedict Resigned [Catholic Caucus]
At B16's Window, A Big "Thank You"... While Behind the Walls, The "Showcase" Begins
Prayers for Our Holy Father Benedict XVI and the Papal Conclave
Pope still extremely Catholic (A look at how media cover Catholicism [and the Pope])
Conclave to silence at least nine tweeting cardinals
Pope Benedict's resignation and the mystery of the missing encyclical
Benedict, Dawkins, and the Fullness of Reason
Benedict XVI: Vatican II as I saw it
Benedict’s renunciation and the wolves within the church
The Left Lobbies for a Liberal Successor to Benedict (and here is why)

Pope Benedict's Future Residence
SCOTT HAHN: Pope Benedict had a profound effect on this former Presbyterian minister
Is the Next Pope the One From John Bosco’s Dream? (Patrick Madrid offers an intriguing twist)
"Re-Elect Pope Benedict" - “Eight more years!”
Who can be elected pope?
The Legacy of Pope Benedict XVI: A commentary by Fr. Barron
More details on papal resignation, conclave (Vatican Press Office)
Church doesn't bend, but endures
Who Will Take Up the Keys of Peter (This is a MUST READ!)
Conclave & The Media: The Silly Season

Cardinal Bertone's Farewell Address to the Holy Father
"Thank You – Let Us Return to Prayer": For the Last Time, The Pope Leaves the Altar
"Today, We Begin A New Journey" – Liturgically Speaking, B16's Last Word
Vatican releases schedule for Pope's final days
Benedict XVI: Reason’s Revolutionary
Some Interesting Tidbits From Today’s Vatican press conference
Pope Decided to Resign After Cuba Trip, Vatican Advisor Says
Pope Says He's Resigning for the 'Good of Church'
Watch for the Anti-Catholics To Weigh in on the Papal Succession
The challenge Pope Benedict has left for his successor—and for ordinary Catholics

Historian Notes Precedents for Papal Resignation
US Will Have Unprecedented Voice In Electing New Pope
Pope Benedict’s Resignation and St. Corbinian’s Bear
Pope Benedict XVI’s Musical Legacy
Benedict announces resignation and lightning strikes
DHS's curiosity piqued over Pope Benedict XVI's retirement and Catholic Prophecy
Prayers for Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict's Devotion to Saint Celestine Signaled His Resignation from the Papacy
Cardinal Sodano to Pope Benedict: “We have heard you with a sense of loss and almost disbelief”
Pope's resignation invokes sadness, gratitude from US bishops

Pope cites waning strength as reason for resignation
Report: Brother Says Pope Was Considering Resignation for Months
Some Notes About the Upcoming Conclave
An Evangelical Looks at Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict’s Resignation in Historical Context
Virtually unprecedented: papal resignation throughout history
Pope Benedict XVI:a papal timeline
"I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome" [Full Text]
Pope Benedict's Address on Resignation of the See of Rome
POPE BENEDICT XVI WILL RESIGN AT THE END OF THIS MONTH, VATICAN PRESS OFFICE TELLS FOX NEWS

76 posted on 02/28/2013 5:22:21 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Hot Tabasco; NYer
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.

If you know anyone that is a daily-Mass variety Catholic, join them at a "daily" Mass as there are few pretenders there (or just go on your own; you're welcome to partake in everything but Communion).

I was fortunate to meet a young man (he is now my husband) who would walk miles in the blinding snow to receive Our Lord (the Eucharist!) during the week. And it was not only through him, but through the many others who attended these Masses (and of course, through Him, capital "H") that I eventually saw the intense beauty and importance of the Catholic Mass. It's now been since 1984 that I've attended daily Mass, and my husband for almost a decade more. And if anyone was to offer either one of us a million dollars to just go to Mass on Sundays, we'd laugh, scoff, and send him on his way, as there is nothing more important than the daily Eucharist.

In fact, it is what allows all the Catholic haters on forum boards/blogs, etc. to continue espousing their junk, for without the Eucharist, there would be no life on earth at all. :)
It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass. --Padre Pio

77 posted on 02/28/2013 5:28:53 PM PST by mlizzy (If people spent an hour a week in Eucharistic adoration, abortion would be ended. --Mother Teresa)
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To: Hot Tabasco

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.


78 posted on 02/28/2013 5:33:08 PM PST by 21twelve ("We've got the guns, and we got the numbers" adapted and revised from Jim M.)
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To: bramps

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?
___________________________

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?


79 posted on 02/28/2013 5:40:19 PM PST by Chickensoup (200 million unarmed people killed in the 20th century by Leftist Totalitarian Fascists)
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To: NYer

We miss you, Holy Father, Emeritus +

80 posted on 02/28/2013 5:44:26 PM PST by PraiseTheLord (economic civil war ?)
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