the pope dead

[mookie2001]

great man

[samikeyp]

just saw that on CNN.com no details yet.

[mookie2001]

i'd say it was complications from old age

[CAPARG]

Very sad news.... :depressed :cry

[NeoConIV]

Begin the canonization process stat.

One of THE greatest popes to ever grace the Catholic Church. Hurts knowing he's not with us, but I cannot even begin to fathom his reception at the pearly gates.

[mookie2001]

neocon
i agree

[desflood]

The Vatican won't confirm yet.

[bigzak25]

Credit to E-Dog Night from another Forum-

Godbless JP, but we all know this is what is next up in the media...

---------------------------------------------------

It appears that the beloved pontiff is unfortunately not long for this world, and is soon to join the heavenly Father. So that means that a new Pope will soon be elected.

Technically, any Catholic Cardinal between the ages of 65-80 can be elected; however there are only a select few, known as the preferiti, that have the support and reputation to be the next ruler of the Holy See. The odds-on favorites:

Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Born November 23, 1927 in Isola d'Asti, Italy
Height: 5' 9" Weight 187 lbs.
40 yrd dash time: 4 hours, 7 minutes, 23 seconds

Strengths:
Is the Vatican Secretary of State, the most powerful official at the Holy See aside from the Pope himself. Italian. Sees the whole congregation. Polished speaker. Has great range. Very good arm strength and can really swing the incense.

Weaknesses:
May be too old at 77. Already holds powerful position. Tends to tackle too high.


Cardinal Walter Kasper
Born March 5, 1933 in Heidenheim, Germany
Height: 6' 0" Weight 195 lbs.
40 yrd dash time: 44 minutes, 19 seconds

Strengths:
Good size for a pope. Is just about the perfect age at 72. A thinking-man's bishop, he achieved worldwide prominence as a theologian. Runs good routes and has reliable hands. Really knows the bible. Super-smart. Scored high on Wonderlic test. Would fit in well with the modern-day culture.

Weaknesses:
German popes are rare. There have only been 4 and the last one served from 1055-1057 (Victor II). Has had some minor injury problems and might not be able to be an every-down pope. Has some controversial opinions.


Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
Born April 16, 1927 in Sttuttgart, Germany
Height: 5' 10" Weight 177 lbs.
40 yrd dash time: 2 days, 52 minutes, 38 seconds

Strengths:
Has support of large portions of voting cardinals. Was chosen to write the meditations to be read aloud during the Good Friday procession. Pope John Paul II was a close personal friend. Has a nose for the end zone. Put up some huge numbers at seminary school. Has realistic, modern view of the Catholic Church.

Weaknesses:
Another German. Offered his resignation on at least two occasions. Nearing exclusion age. Will have to shake off perception of a somber, dour individual. May not have that killer instinct and doesn't always finish his blocks.


Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo
Born on Nov. 8, 1935 in Colombia
Height: 5' 7" Weight 169 lbs.
40 yrd dash time: 1 hour, 52 minutes, 38 seconds

Strengths:
Lacks ideal size for a pope, but has good speed, and at 69 years old is the ideal age of a pontiff. Is the president of the Pontifical Council for the Family. With the Church wanting to explore non-traditional outlets, his South American heritage may work for him.

Weaknesses:
Or maybe not. May face prejudice because of his country of origin. Some cardinals may see him as a project rather than a starting pope.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini
Born in Italy on Feb. 19, 1931
Height: 5' 11" Weight 200 lbs.
40 yrd dash time: 11 hours, 1 minute, 1 second

Strengths:
Italian. Presided at Palm Sunday Mass and World Youth Day observances at the Vatican on March 20. Strong upper body allows him to break free from defenders at the line.

Weaknesses:
None really, except his politicking skills are not on par with some of the other candidates. Can shore up his technique a little but.

-------------------------------------------------------------

[exstatic]

??? CNN dot com is NOT saying he's dead, and yes, I did hit my refresh button. So far, I've only seen FOX news say anything like this.

[Hook Dem]

At 1:00 P.M. (CST) his brain and heart are still functioning. Although it is enevitable, he is not dead yet! News reports wanting to be first have jumped the gun.

[samikeyp]

when I posted that, they had there red "breaking news" banner saying that he had died....now the same banner says that the Vatican is denying those reports. Something like that...they should make sure they get it right before saying anything.

[mookie2001]

god
i'm such an idiot
stupid stupid

the punishment will be harsh
self mutilation
i focus on the pain the only thing thats real

[Extra Stout]

It is a rare Pope whose moral authority is so great that even Protestants stop to listen when he speaks. Such is JPII.

[IcemanCometh]

we're gonna get a fucking whack ass pope. jp2 appointed some crazy pipe hitting niggas to cardinalhood.

[jalbre6]

"whack-ass Pope" - I want that to be my new title!

[mookie2001]

i want A title

[Kori Ellis]

i want A title

Send a private message to timvp and he'll give you one.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I heard that several years ago there was an ethiopian cardinal that had widespread support for the papacy, is he still being considered?

[JoeChalupa]

I'm sure he is but it is all speculation. The Cardinal from South America who was just in SA a few weeks ago is also a strong candidate but I think we'll see an Italian Pope again.

I will pray for our next Pope.

[Experiment2100]

Is it wrong that i said he "pulled a Jesus" because he was pronounced dead but wasn't. It was meant as a joke but i may have upset a few people.

[polandprzem]

I can't believe you Americans

[samikeyp]

don't blame us all. some of us are respectful about what is going on, as you can read here. The Vatican just announced that he has passed away.

[exstatic]

I can't believe you Americans

What? That US Catholics finance probably 50% of the RC church? You're welcome.

[Drachen]

I can't believe you Americans


??

why?

[polandprzem]

Yes exstatic think about the money or the next Pope like it was the next president.

Now it is realy hard in here. All people are united. And you feel mourning whereever you go. Many people are not afraid to say they just cried. It's the sadest day in history of this country.
You are just a materialist as I've noticed. Can't be that way.

This GREAT MAN changed the word , not just Poland or Europe , THE WORD. And you can believe me. the word would not be the same from now on.

I think that's all I want to say.
It's very sad :(

[IcemanCometh]

everyone changes the world dude, its debatable if he changed it for the better. if you really mean he changed "THE WORD" well then i have no idea which particular word you're talking about

[alamo50]

Don't let them get to ya Poland.
Just pray the next Pope won't be the German candidate.

[Nbadan]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20050402/i/r1568545401.jpg

[polandprzem]

everyone changes the world dude, its debatable if he changed it for the better. if you really mean he changed "THE WORD" well then i have no idea which particular word you're talking about

Realy funny in that situation. You see it's not easy to me right now.


it would take you 300 years to study what He did to this World...
so don't bother