Pope's resignation

[Hare]

Have just seen on Sky News that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning due to ill health on 28 february 2013. Sad news indeed

[kerrezza]

We were just having a discussion saying we weren't aware that a pope could resign; apparently the last one who did was Gregory XII in 1415

[nazard]

I much admire the Pope for this decision. I suspect that it took a great deal of courage.

[Hare]

I much admire the Pope for this decision. I suspect that it took a great deal of courage.

Indeed. I am sure that those in some quarters will put their own reading on the decision.

[Howard Baker]

Is anyone planning to allude musically to the event next Sunday? (A 'Christus vincit' at the end of Mass, or something? I guess Lent makes it even more tricky.)

[dunstan]

I find it interesting how much of the comment comes from his brother Georg. I always imagine the papacy must be quite a lonely office to occupy, and I assume Benedict and his brother are close. If he was chewing over the idea of abdication then I'm sure Georg would have encouraged him in it guided, of course, by the Holy Spirit.

I'm assuming the webcam on the Sistine Chapel chimney will be back in action for the conclave.

[Nick Baty]

Is anyone planning to allude musically to the event next Sunday?

This is not a liturgical event. However, after what Benedict has done to our Liturgy would that matter?

[Howard Baker]

Ah, come on! Major coverage of events related to our chief pastor in the world's media (on the BBC news again as I type), generating much positive interest from outside the Church, and we just ignore it completely next Sunday....? Might we not just adjust the musical/liturgical conventions a bit now and again?

[Nick Baty]

I feel a polyphonic Deo Gratias coming on.

[gwyn]

The Al Jazeera news channel gave very sensitive coverage yesterday.

[HallamPhil]

I think in the same way as some celebrated the anniversaries of his pontificate it may be appropriate to organise a diocesan/deanery/parish thanksgiving mass for the pontificate after 28 February and at the same time pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in appointing the successor. i do also think that this should be at a time distinct from the usual Sunday Mass slot which will continue to follow the liturgical year.

[Peter Jones]

See Roman Missal p.1308 and p.1304 - but I see no specific Mass for a Pope who has resigned.

[Howard Baker]

I wasn't thinking of ignoring the First Sunday of Lent, just of maybe having a hymn or chant or something to mark what's happening in the world.

[Nick Baty]

A hymn about social injustice?
I certainly can't think of one about someone retiring.

[nazard]

I will stick to "Full in the panting heart of Rome" and miss out the last verse.