Catholic Fire

The former pope Benedict has claimed that his resignation in February was prompted by God, who told him to do it during a "mystical experience". Breaking his silence for the first time since he became the first pope to step down in 600 years, the 86-year-old reportedly said: "God told me to" when asked what had pushed him to retire to a secluded residence in the Vatican gardens. Benedict denied he had been visited by an apparition or had heard God's voice, but said he had undergone a "mystical experience" during which God had inspired in him an "absolute desire" to dedicate his life to prayer rather than push on as pope. Read more.

February 20, 2013. (Romereports.com) Ever since Benedict XVI announced his resignation, the most active Catholics online have launched initiatives to show their support. One of them titled “Give Thanks,” an idea from Regnum Christi and the Legion of Christ, to show their support for Benedict XVI through Facebook and Twitter. It allows them to share experiences, videos, photos, and other initiatives to thank him, or even pray for the Pope. Using the hashtag #2BXVI they encourage users to write a message to the Pope on Wednesday, February 20 at 8 p.m. local time in Rome. The organizing group is analyzing the possibility of repeating the virtual event until February 28, the last day of Benedict XVI as Pope.

February 14, 2013. (Romereports.com) The Vatican spokesperson, Father Federico Lombardi, confirmed that the papal secretary, Msgr. Georg Gaenswein, will follow Benedict XVI when he withdraws to Castel Gandolfo. He will then move to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery inside the Vatican, along with the housekeeping staff that tended to the Pope in the last seven years. Georg Gaenwein will remain prefect of the Pontifical Household, and will organize the schedule for the new Pope, however he has no decision making authority in the process. FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican Spokesperson  “Msgr. Georg Gaenswein will travel along with the Pope to Castel Gandolfo and the monastery, and will continue to assist him personally, and also the Memores Domini.” About the start of the conclave, Lombardi doesn't expect it to begin during the first half of March. According to Canon Law, it must begin 15 to 20 days after the start of the Sede Vacante period. FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican Spok...

February 13, 2013. (Romereports) “I thank you all for the love and prayers that have accompanied me. Thank you," said the Pope. "In these difficult days, I've felt almost physically, the power of prayer that comes through the love for the Church and your personal prayers. Continue to pray for me, for the Church and the future Pope. The Lord will guide.” Looking calm and serene, Benedict XVI led his first public appearance, after announcing his resignation. Before a full crowd, he once again said he made the decision with complete liberty.  He echoed Monday's statement by saying that he  does not have the strength to carry out the office. Then he continued with his weekly catechesis, on  Ash Wednesday. He talked about the temptation Jesus experienced when He was in the desert. In today's modern world, said the Pope, the temptation is to push faith aside and seek false solutions. BENEDICT XVI “While the Lord continues to raise up examples of radical co...

February 12, 2012 (Romereports.com) This is the monastery where Benedict XVI will retire once he is no longer Pope. It's a quiet residence inside Vatican walls, where the Pope will live a simple life, which will surely include reading and praying. At this point the monastery is still undergoing repairs. So after February 28th,  the Pope will go to Castel Gandolfo, a town that's about an hour away from Rome, before returning to the Vatican. The four level building is relatively simple. The only visual decoration are stained glass windows with sacred images, specifically designed for reflection and prayer. The monastery 'Mater Ecclesiae' was built under the pontificate of John Paul II. Built in the 90's the late Pope said he wanted contemplative nuns to have a place for retreat and prayer, inside Vatican Walls.

At Crisis Magazine,  William Fahey writes: The Catholic world is largely shocked by the publication of Pope Benedict XVI’s letter of resignation this morning.  The secular world assumes the worst—no, it desires the worst, and by insinuation worms doubts into the minds of even the faithful. The secular world will tear through the brief letter and fixate upon the line about a “world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith.”  It will weave from these deconstructed words an existential tale of despair, scandal, and an authority which realizes it is no longer in touch with reality. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read more.

February 11, 2013. (Romereports.com) The Pope is unable to continue. He made the announcement today to the cardinals gathered in Rome. On February 28 at 8 p.m. Benedict XVI will no longer be Pope. That date will kick off the sede vacante, or vacant seat. According to canon law, within 20 days the cardinals must meet in conclave to elect the new Pope. In the Vatican statement the Pope read in Latin to his cardinals, he explained that, “In order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.” His resignation is a rare occasion for the Catholic Church, as only three other Popes have resigned in their time, Celestine V, Clement I and Gregory XII. Starting at 8 p.m. on the last day of February, all posts within the Vatican will remain vacant until a new Pop...