Catholic Online Forum

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Ian DC
Blessed Ever Virgin Mary -- Sanctuary and resting-place of the Blessed Trinity where God dwells in greater and more divine splendour than anywhere else in the universe

Very interesting, thanks Ian!

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Andrew McAllister

Respect for the dignity of every innocent human being from conception/fertilization, without exception, without compromise, without apology.

That's what I was expecting. We call our retired Bishops "Bishop Emeritus," and the Pope will be a retired Bishop, of sorts.

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Rose West
"May God help us not to spoil His work" (Bl. Mother Theresa)

Interesting reversal from the previous inclination of "Bishop of Rome Emeritus".

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Jeff Stevens

Jeff,

I had thought "Bishop Emeritus" likely as it is a form we are already familiar with. I suppose I can get used to Pontiff Emeritus easily enough. A pity about the canonical cape though. (Quite apart from the obvious considerations, just think - he'll look like a retired Pacific Islands missionary!)

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James Daly

"It is the Lord." (Jn 21:7)

What about the red shoes?

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David L (CA)
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” - Groucho Marx

The Pope Emeritus, and His Holiness. And he will keep Benedict XVI rather than reverting to Josef Ratzinger. All in this article here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21597093

So, will we pray for The Pope and the Pope Emeritus at the Eucharistic Prayer?

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Best Wishes,

Clare Rickett

"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort"
Herm Albright 1876-1944

I do realise that this whole question is breaking new ground, as in reality it has not happened before, except in the case where there was more than one claimant to the Papacy.

I thought that the original announcement of Pope Benedict's said that he would retire to a monastery and devote the rest of his life to prayer. This title suggests to me, that he will still be visible in matters pertaining to the Church. So in effect, we will have two Popes. A bit like our American friends who still refer to past Presidents as President Clinton, Bush, Carter, etc. Is this the case?

Peter

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"Lord to whom shall I go? Thou hast the words of eternal life"

Peter,

First, with regard to past U.S. Presidents, there is a tradition that past Presidents keep out of the public eye when it comes to matters of government or commenting on the current President. You rarely hear from them or of them, so that the current office-holder is not working in his shadow or looking over his shoulder. Some Presidents have come close to breaking that tradition, however, notably Carter and Clinton. Addressing them as President does not imply they have any remaining or ongoing authority. It is a title of respect for them who previously held the highest political office in the U.S.

It's the same with Pope Benedict, although I would bet he drops off the face of the earth and the next time you hear of him will be that he has died. When he leaves the office, he leaves the authority behind.

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Dean
Most people's sense of history goes back to breakfast time - Benjamin Netanyahu

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Dean
Most people's sense of history goes back to breakfast time - Benjamin Netanyahu

Brown shoes. And a white cassock without the mozzetta (the short cape that covers his shoulders).

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/po ... z2M7OzgBnL

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Grace

As to the past, let us entrust it to God's mercy, the future to Divine Providence. Our task is to live holy the present moment. - Saint Gianna Molla

It is much the same with retired military, they are often referred to by their retired rank. The difference there is that for a time after retirement from active duty we are transferred to the ready reserve, and then later the inactive reserve.

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Bob C

GREAT post and reminder.

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Jeff Stevens

Bob,



Same here, provided the rank is major or higher. (The obvious exception is field marshals, who remain on the active list for life.)

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James Daly

"It is the Lord." (Jn 21:7)

That is outrageous, all those poor NCO's being ignored.

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Bob C

I didn't think American NCO's were referred to by rating?

I've seen many a "Lt. Colonel John Smith USAR", but never a "CMC John Smith USNR"

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Jeff Stevens

Jeff,

It is a common form of address within the Military Community, but certainly not very often outside the military community.

I can legally sign anything with my full name and rank, branch of service and the (Ret) appended. I do not and honestly don't know of anyone else who does, but if I drive out to the base, go to the VA or the like I will more often be address as Sarge, Sargent or even Master Sargent. I have several friends form the area who are retired military, some attend church at my parish, that I address as Gunny, Chief. Or whatever.

We recently buried a retired Marine Gunnery Sargent who served on Guadalcanal (to give you an idea of his age), I don't know of anyone who didn't address him as Gunny. Certainly in his case it was both a sign of affection and respect.

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Bob C