News of Pope Benedict XV1 and his Abdication after 8 years, Is all over the world news at the moment .
The Holy Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
This morning he said his good bye's to the Cardinal's and yesterday to his followers. I thought he looked tired and old. His Abdication , came as a shock to many of us. I believe the first time a pontiff, has abdicated in over 600 years.
Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was the 265th pope. He was born April 16th 1927 in Marktl am Inn-( Bavaria). A university professor of theology before he was ordained , a very highly educated man. With a love and dedication to the holy catholic church.
I always thought him a very pragmatic quiet man and true to in his faith and beliefs as the head of the church.
I wish him well along with the millions of catholics around the world in his retirement .. We now wait for a New Pontiff . - We now wait for the white smoke to emitt from the vatican enclave of cardinals. Many good christian men within the enclave ..Maybe a younger Pope this time.. Benedict asked for a shorter period for the enclave to decide on his next successor.
I was in awe at the sight of St. Peter's , when I went to Rome.
I have family that live in Tuscany.. and my niece was married and living in Rome for many years. I stayed with her in her beautiful home in Fregene. a suberb of Rome.. on the sea.
A most amazing city. I am sure that many of you have visited. Its charm, its History, its people , call you back again.
St. Peter's Basilica - Late renaissance .. designed pricipally by Donato Bramante - Michelangelo, Carlo Moderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It remains one of the largest churches in the world, and possibly the most visited.
The Creation of Adam- Sistene Chapel - by Michelagelo.. Evokes many thoughts on the subject of Adam and Eve..
The Swiss guards have served as bodyguards since the late 15th century. Not only as household guards for the Vatican City.. Also as regular Swiss mercenary regiments .. in various armies - France, Spain and Naples up to the 19th Century. We mainly know them as the Swiss Guards of the Holy See.
The chosen men have to be swiss and catholic.. also with higher education, before they can apply for the post.. they are changed every 6 years.
My son in Law .. has a very good school friend, who is serving at the Vatican Swiss Guard at the moment.
Strong Intelligent men. Not just statue's !!!
'Mater Ecclasiae ' within the vatican grounds, where the pope will eventually live and retire .
The end of another papal era.
For the moment Pope Benedict will be living at 'Castelo Gandolfo' long been the summer retreat for more than 4 centuries for the Popes. A view of the exquisite gardens at Castelo Gandolfo.
........................................................................................................................
Wishing you all a blessed day.