Benedict XVI admits it's not easy being pope

[StColette]

Benedict XVI admits it's not easy being pope

25 July 2005

LES COMBES, ITALY - Being pope isn't easy, Benedict XVI admitted to reporters Monday during a break from his holiday in the Italian Alps.

Elected pontiff on April 19, German-born Benedict celebrates 100 days in office this week.

Asked whether being the spiritual leader of the world's one billion Catholics was a difficult task, he said: "In a way yes. I had never thought about this ministry, but the people are very good to me and support me."

Joseph Ratzinger appeared suntanned and in good spirits as he exchanged a few words with journalists before meeting local Church officials from Valle d'Aosta, the region where he has been on holiday since July 11.

But the 78-year-old pontiff has reportedly spent much of his time in his chalet in Les Combes working rather than relaxing.

Vatican insiders say he has been mulling over his first encyclical - a letter sent to Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world in which a pope's doctrine is spelled out - and over a batch of new appointments at the helm of the Holy See.

Benedict will stay in Valle d'Aosta until Thursday and will then spend the rest of the summer in his countryside residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

On August 18 he make his first trip abroad with a visit to Cologne, Germany, where he will attend Catholic World Youth Day.

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[Guest Eremite]

Papa Ratzi said as a Cardinal that he wanted to retire and go write books in Germany, but he couldn't do that while John Paul II trudged on. Now he's in for life. :

[zunshynn]

Aww, thanks Papa! I can't imagine what it must be like having to be the shepard of people like me.

[qfnol31]

[quote]Vatican insiders say he has been mulling over his first encyclical - a letter sent to Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world in which a pope's doctrine is spelled out - and over a batch of new appointments at the helm of the Holy See.[/quote]

?

[Apotheoun]

I hope the Pope take the time necessary to relax.

May the Lord bless and watch over Pope Benedict as he serves the Church.

[StColette]

Amen, Apotheoun

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
7/25 - St. James the Great
[quote name='qfnol31' date='Jul 25 2005, 07:26 PM']?
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It's normal for a new Pope to keep the old dude's dudes on for a few months, but they are all normally replaced. If Ratzinger wasn't elected, he would probably have been replaced. It's a definitive way of saying, "I'm in charge now, bub."

[1337 k4th0l1x0r]

You know what they say:

Pope-ing ain't easy, but it sure is fun.

[Ash Wednesday]

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[kaidoh]

who said it was goin to be easy

[qfnol31]

I was talking about his "doctrine"...shouldn't think they'd be that different...

[Laudate_Dominum]

[quote name='qfnol31' date='Jul 26 2005, 12:10 AM']I was talking about his "doctrine"...shouldn't think they'd be that different...
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The article didn't really explain encyclicals very well. As if Pope Benedict is going to present "his" doctrine. This silly reporters.

[qfnol31]

I dunno, he "seems anti-Vatican II"............








Dunno how much more I can take of that.

Edited July 26, 2005 by qfnol31

[CatholicCid]

Don't forget, he was at Vatican II

And didn't Catholics number 3 Billion o_o

[qfnol31]

Oh, I know. I've been reading him for a long time now, so I know he was there. The point is, many people think he's pre-council, sadly.

[kateri05]

aww poor Popey can't wait to see him next month!! :

[Ash Wednesday]

In reading about our Holy Father, it was said that he was "more liberal" in the 60s when he was an advisor with Vatican II, and then after the Marxist riots in the late 60s he "turned conservative" -- to me it seems like he's always stayed pretty true to himself and had his own understanding of Vatican II -- that is, the genuine intent of the council. And that HE didn't really "change" -- at least not drastically -- he just didn't go along with the people that ran away with ideas that had nothing to do with the council but they used its so called "spirit" as an excuse.

[White Knight]

I'm not Catholic I'll say this prayer for Benedict XVI. Openingly that is.


[b]"Lord Jesus Christ, I come to you tonight, praying that you keep Benedict XVI close to you, may he grow in you, and reflect Your light upon millions of lost souls in this world and to inspire & influence many believers in You Lord Jesus, Lord give Pope Benedict XVI the courage, the strength, the wisdom, and the guidence he needs to do Your WILL, to do the Your Father's Will in Heaven, Our Heavenly Father. LORD May he honor You openly towards the people of the world, Lord, I pray for his protection, guard him from evil. nevertheless Lord, let your Will be done for his life, I ask this in Your Precious Name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen & Amen."[/b]

I wanted to say this prayer for him, due to my recent discovery that the Pope and papacy is valid, and justified by Christ Himself.

[daugher-of-Mary]

BEAUTIFUL prayer, white knight!


The picture of the pope on vacation is wonderful! He looks so mischievous I can't wait to see him!!!! :