Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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I thought there was quite a bit of criticism, possibly of an implied nature, that the Pope resigned. He is the first Pope resigning in 600 years, and generally the only way a Pope is replaced is when the Pope dies. I however thought it was a wonderful decision.
The bottom line is that when you are that old, and he is 85, you are not necessarily in full control of your mind. You may be of course, but it depends on case to case, but he has decided that he is not in giving up health or in control of his mental faculties to be the leader of the Church and he has done the right thing. I think that it is such a good example as well, for those who follow him, who will not be the first to do it in 600 years, that if they feel they are no longer physically or mentally up to leading the Church, instead of keeping going out of tradition, they consider their capability to continue to do a good job as a first requirement to head the Catholic Church. Hopefully, a younger leader, although one obviously has to have a lot of experience and wisdom to step into a role like this, will also revolutionise the Church’s approach on some issues. I don’t think, for example, that the anti-condom approach of the Church has been a great message to send out and while I understand the rationale behind it, one also has to take into consideration sexual diseases, amongst which should include HIV, and the Church’s approach here needs to change.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Tuesday 19-Feb-13
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Comments
Caron said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 02:09 PM
The Catholic Religion as a whole is so old-fashioned and out dated in their beliefs. They need youth in a Pope to bring them into the 21st century and to let the elderly retire in peace.
Lucretia said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 10:31 AM
I myself am Roman Catholic and I believe discussing religion is the quickest way to making enemies, however, there are a few things I think should be changes. Tradition is not always the way to go, times change and sometimes tradition does not fit in with the times and can cause stagnation. Having said that, I am a firm believer, if you don't want to do something but you are forced to do same, your heart will not be in it. I would rather have a pope resigning every few years than have a pope whose heart is not in his calling any more. Old fashion was are just that - old. The only constant thing in life is change.
Henrietta said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 09:52 AM
That is a really good age. Henco's grandfather is 85 years old and to be honest I don't see him still working a 9-5 job. He is still very young at his heart but not to be hard it is an age where you start counting the days/years because it's number. The pope had a full live and stepping down is his decision and for whatever reason, as long as he did it for himself.
Robyn said:
on Friday 22-Feb-13 06:29 AM
I always thought that it was an unwritten law, if you will, that the only way the Pope can be stripped (for lack of a better word) of his job is if he dies.
But like all of you said here, it took courage to make this decision and I'm sure he knew that he was going to be criticised.
Corné said:
on Thursday 21-Feb-13 12:47 PM
I also think that it is his decision. I don’t think it’s a bad one.
Benita said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 09:53 AM
I agree that this was a good decision. He will be starting a new thing and the next Pope will not feel ablidged to stay on even if he is not capable to.
thembi said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 08:48 AM
I think he made a right decision by doing that because he is old and someone younger must take after him.He has done his part and the old age is taking its course.
Sundome said:
on Wednesday 20-Feb-13 07:12 AM
The fact that he resigned and most probably because of his age I think I just shows that he knows he can’t deliver the service he use to and if that is the reason he resigned then I think it was a good decision
Juliet said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 05:52 PM
I think it is a brave move to basically say, I believe I cannot offer the same great service I have before and allow someone else who is more in control of their faculties to provide top level leadership to their followers
cherise said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:57 PM
I highly doubt the catholic church approach will change , ecspecially when it comes to their believes as thats what the foundation of the catholic church is based on even though I agree with the condom protectibng people against aids and any other sexually transmitted diseases.
The fact that the pope stepped down does show that change is not always bad and I wish him and the new pope all the best to come.
Moenisha said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:55 PM
I guess he also needs some alone time sometime in his life.
zandra said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:54 PM
i think it was a very good decision. they are way to old and a much younger person will definetaly be a better choice.
Lourien said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:51 PM
We will all wonder what the real reason is, but times changes and people do to...
Alexis said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:48 PM
When you are tired and at an age where all you want to do is relax, i would have done the same thing. I think majority will stay for obligation when we are all only human
Julie said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:47 PM
Being in such a position where you are to advise and provide leadership requires immense wisdom/insight/studying. It is a HUGE responsibility.
Liesl said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:46 PM
If the Pope feels that he is no longer capable to fulfil his position then it truly is his choice to make and should be respected.
Thabitha said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:45 PM
If he feels he cannot do it any more well good for him
Yolandi said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:43 PM
The Pope should be applauded for realizing his limitations- due to old age- and graciously stepping down. I believe he is an honest man trying to do what is best for his organization.
Sarah said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 04:32 PM
I think he made a good decision. I have to agree with Angelique there must be a story behind the reason why he resigned. The Pope has his reasons.
Sinead said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 09:50 AM
I actually didn't see it that way but I must agree with you, Michael. It is a wise decision and He obviously didn't do it out of spite. His intentions are good. Angelique I agree with you as well, it isn't an easy decision to make at all. I still wonder why it was before Lent though.
Angelique said:
on Tuesday 19-Feb-13 08:39 AM
I have to agree it was definitely a wonderful decision. Hopefully the Catholics wont take it too harshly because I'm sure it took the pope a long time to make this decision - It ovbiously wasn't the easiest one to make. Hopefully it wont cause too much disorientation although I can imagine alot of people feeling it is causing instability. One can only help but wonder if there is a story behind the story.
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
