New Pope Elected

BLACKBURN RAVER · 19-04-2005, 16:07

White Smoke And The Bells Of St Peter Ringing = New Pope

JOSEPH RATZINGER is the new pope ...he will be known as POPE BENEDICT XVI

Pope Benedict XVI makes first appearance at Vatican balcony

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...331901,00.html

Margaret Pilkington · 19-04-2005, 16:10

Blimey.... that was quick. I thought they would draw it out for another few days just so they could stay in the luxurious surroundings........aaah, but then they are religious men.

vorlon24 · 19-04-2005, 16:18

They were only blowing black smoke earlier.

That was quick!

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBC News

White smoke has been seen from the Sistine Chapel chimney indicating that a new pope has been elected.

The bells of St Peter's Basilica rang out shortly after 1800 local time (1600 GMT) to confirm the news.

There were jubilant scenes in St Peter's Square where many thousands of pilgrims had gathered.

The new pontiff was chosen on the fourth ballot held by the 115 cardinals meeting to select a successor to Pope John Paul II.

cashman · 19-04-2005, 16:19

suspect vorlons got the job lol

Tinkerbelle · 19-04-2005, 16:45

German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected Pope and is to be known as Pope Benedict XVI

Neil · 19-04-2005, 16:55

The new pope is 78.
We might as well start preparing for the next pope now.
Why don't they choose someone a little younger, like 50.

Tinkerbelle · 19-04-2005, 17:06

I like the look of him. He looks like a sweet approachable little old man.

vorlon24 · 19-04-2005, 17:06

Especially as the previous one considered retiring at age 80!

I take it then that age is not a consideration?!

grannyclaret · 19-04-2005, 17:07

the last pope was only in his late 50,s when elected ,,maybe they thought he had been in too long or something ......

lettie · 19-04-2005, 17:47

I was under the impression that you had to be a cardinal to be elected. With this being a senior position in the church, it would explain the advancing years of the candidates. Also, I think that the maximum age is 80 for election. So if you're over 80 it's tough. How ageist is that....... :-)

chav1 · 19-04-2005, 18:00

a 78 year old german as pope lol

well i suppose if i had to choose a german it wold be one that wasnt going to be around too long

yerself · 19-04-2005, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by lettie

I was under the impression that you had to be a cardinal to be elected.

Apparently not. I read somewhere that, theoretically, any ordained catholic can be elected as Pope. It is, however, invariably a Cardinal.
The college of Cardinals elects the new Pope, only those aged 80yrs or under being eligible to vote.

yerself · 19-04-2005, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by chav1

a 78 year old german as pope lol
well i suppose if i had to choose a german it wold be one that wasnt going to be around too long

I bet he speaks highly of you!

WillowTheWhisp · 19-04-2005, 18:04

Some cardinals are younger than others, although I'm not sure how old the youngest one is. This puts an end to all the speculation about the possibility of a black Pope and the general assumption that we'd have one from Latin America this time doean't it?

I agree with Tinkerbelle. He does look sweet and approachable.

vorlon24 · 19-04-2005, 18:20

I was wondering whether we would get a black pope.

Does anyone know anything about this - I was speaking to a Polish chap a few weeks ago who mentioned that there was some prophesy about a black pope and the end of the world.

Has anyone else heard of this?