Popes can, and do, resign – and sometimes for irredeemably outrageous reasons. Take Pope Benedict IX.
The second longest-serving pope in history, John Paul II, who died in office in 2005 at the age of 84, has rather habituated us of late to the idea that popes are expected to carry on until they pop off.
And it is true that while diocesan bishops must resign once they reach 75 and cardinals can no longer join a conclave past 80, no such rules apply to the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church (to name just two of his titles).
But popes can, and do, resign. Not often, but they do. Back in 1045, the irredeemably outrageous Benedict IX – the only man to be pope more than once, and the only one ever to sell the papacy – stepped down, essentially for the cash.
Accused by St Peter Damian of “feasting on immorality”, by Bishop Benno of Piacenza of committing “many vile adulteries and murders” and by Pope Victor III of being a pope “so vile, so foul, so execrable, that I shudder to think of it,” Benedict ostensibly resigned to get married – but not before he had sold the office to his godfather, who became Gregory VI (and had to resign himself the following year because, even by the standards of the 11th century, buying the papacy wasn’t really on).
More edifying is the case of Celestine V in 1294. A former Benedictine hermit, Celestine had never wanted to be pope. After a mere five months in office he issued a solemn decree declaring it permissible for a pope to resign and then promptly did so himself, citing “the desire for humility, for a purer life, for a stainless conscience, the deficiencies of his own physical strength, his ignorance, the perverseness of the people, his longing for the tranquility of his former life”.
His successor, Boniface VIII, however, refused to allow him to return to a life of solitary contemplation and instead had him locked up in the castle of Fumone, where he died in May 1296 (some suggest Boniface had him murdered).
The last pope to stand down was Gregory XII, who did so in 1415 to end the damaging Western Schism, the split that divided the Catholic church for nearly 40 years and had, by the stage Gregory did the decent thing, reached the point where there were three different claimants to the papal throne: Roman Pope Gregory XII, Avignon Antipope Benedict XIII, and Pisan Antipope John XXIII.
Since then, a couple of popes – Pius VII and Pius XII – reportedly signed documents of resignation that were to take effect if they were ever kidnapped and imprisoned by (respectively) the French or the Nazis. So while Benedict XVI’s announcement yesterday was a shock, it is not entirely unprecedented.
Source: The Guardian, UK
My comment:
I would like to quote Church reformer Martin Luther:
“The Mass is the greatest blasphemy of God, and the highest idolatry upon the earth, an abomination the like of which has never been in Christendom.”
“The Kingdom of Christ is a kingdom of mercy, grace, and goodness.The kingdom of the Pope is a kingdom of lies and damnation!”
“The Roman Church has become the most licentious den of thieves, the most shameless of all brothels, the kingdom of sin, death, and hell.
“It is so bad that even Antichrist himself, if he should come, could think of nothing to add to its wickedness.”
By a former Roman Catholic priest, Martin Luther
This quotes from Martin Luther was first published on News That Matters, 20.01.2011.
What can we expect now?
The present Pope is the first Pope in 600 years, who will have a saying in the election of his successor.
We can expect a young man, and mighty false miracle and wonders will follow in His footsteps. We might see the election of the last and final antichrist. The man of lawlessness, doomed for destruction.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
The next Pope might be the last and final copy-cat “Holy Father”, the name Jesus the Messiah used on His Father God in Heaven.
2 Thessalonians 2:4
He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
When Jesus returns, this copy-cat “Holy Father” will face destruction and eventually the eternal fire:
2 Thessalonians 2:7-8
For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
If you accept the claimed authority of the Pope, repent or perish.
Written by Ivar
News that matters 
End times…EXCITING! I am ready!
Dear Elizabeth
Shalom.
I guess this took us all by surprise. But I feel the Pope has already been told, who He shall “accept” as the man who will be the final “prince of peace”. The Middle East is waiting for his entry into Jerusalem.
Bible believing Christians know the last and final antichrist must appear first. Than Lord Jesus shall return.
I wouldn’t be surprised if that was after the fact.
YEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yea! These are exiting times- that`s for sure! I wonder what the outcome will be concerning a new pope and almost simultaneously President Obamas first visit to Israel to discuss “peace”……
Our only hope is putting our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the only true Prince of peace! For all who have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour, there is nothing to fear! Instead we can lift up our heads because our redemption is near!:-)
Everything and everyone is in place. The next Pope is the last!! Peter the great ! How people can be so blind thinking of what Yeshua said to Peter. Upon this Rock , I build My church!! HE was talking about HIMSELF !! But the cult of all times that G-d warned of in Rev about Rome is in full display. So, they built their church on a lie..On Peter, not Messiah. G-d said, it is better to listen to G-d than man…and those who do not accept the truth, HE would send a lie and they would believe it..Stay in the word, HE IS TRUTH. The great apostasy is HERE in full bloom which is the LAST prophecy to be fulfilled. G-d bless, tell the people HE IS COMING. Shalom
PRAISING GOD for showing me the truth of this lie!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS GOOD!
never a truer word said. and obama will be visiting israel for the first time since election, and it will be six days before passover…the same time when mary magdalene anointed Jesus “for His burial.”
so the antichrist and false prophet will be in place
I have to admit that this came totally unexpected on me. At first. But then, after pondering a while, I began seeing this as quite lucid. How else will they be able to seat a “chosen one”, a sort of “golden child” on the throne, maybe even as young as about 30 years old, to counter the age of the Messiah?
I’ve been waiting this for over a year.
Here is the article on Simon Magnus..I have not reread it before sending..it is a good one! http://www.triumphpro.com/greatesst-conspiracy-of-all-time.pdf
Ivar, what do you think of the book “Petrus Romanus, by Thomas horn”? Your opinion is most appreciated.
Prophecy of the Century Next Last Pope
Part 1
And yes it certainly makes you wonder. Time will tell if this is the one foretold.
Prophecy of the Century Next Last Pope
Part 2
But he was the most loved Pope. Make no mistake about that, who held his hand out to all religions pushing the ecumemical agenda.
Taken from the Travel Guide http://www.justrome.org/rome/rome-city.asp
Rome is known as: Caput Mundi (Capital of the world) , La Città Eterna (The Eternal City) , imen Apostolorum (Threshold of the Apostles), La città dei sette colli (The city of the seven hills), Or simply l’Urbe (The City).
From the Book of Revelation ~ [9] And here is the mind which hath WISDOM. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. [10] And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. [11] And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. [12]
I read Petrus Romanus and found it fascinating.
Ant, thank you for the response to my question. Fascinating – perhaps I’ll buy it today.
The Kindle Version is cheapest
$9.99
Official colors are scarlet and purple, [4] And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, holding a golden full of the abominations and filthiness of her fornication (chalice they hold uo at the RC Mass, but in saying the Eucharist is indeed Jesus they deny Him in repeatadly trying to sacrifice Him over and over again) Drunken with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus (think Reformation), decked in gold precious stones (we are all aware of Rome’s wealth.)
[3] So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. [4] And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: [5] And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH . [6] And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. [7]
Dear readers.
Shalom.
It is not permitted to publish external links on this blogg. But: In regards to the exit of the present Pope, I will permit some links.
Thank you Ivar. In light of the significance of this event prophetically I do appreciate it. God Bless.
[b]The next Pope may be elected by members within the Catholic Church but he will be the False Prophet[/b]
The truth of My Scripture, contained in the Book of Revelation, has been interpreted by My many churches. So many variations, all of which are based on human interpretation.
[b]My beloved Pope Benedict XVI is the last true Pope on this earth.[/b]
[b]His electors are wolves in sheep’s clothing and are members of the secret Masonic and evil group led by Satan.[/b]
[b][color=red]Sadly, he will, this False Prophet, attract a large following. Those who oppose him will be persecuted.[/color][/b]
**EDITED BY EDITOR**
Oldman you are not allowed to post links on this blog.
Dear oldman.
Shalom.
Even though I have not seen any repentance from your side in regards to the claimed authority of the Pope, I will permit you to publish this link. This is fair, since you have been a committed commenter on this site.
Your Pope is now running for the exit. I find it fascinating that you now are warning against the next Pope, becoming the grand false prophet.
My mistake Ivar. I apologize. I deleted the link before I saw your post, and because though he is a committed commenter, he follows a false prophet.
Shalom
O yeah wheather this prophecy is wrong or correct what we know by the end of March the pope 112 will be on stage according to many claimants who said this man will be false christ time will tell if it is true
tiva82,
This man will NOT be false Christ. but will be false prophet.
Gloria its okay.
I am trying to follow Jesus. not any prophets .
Jesus told “follow me” not “follow my apostles and prophets”
Thank you Ivar.
I posted the message given by Lord Jesus (in your words copy-cat Jesus?) regarding the next pope. It is your free will to believe this or not.
http://www.thewarningsecondcoming.com/the-next-pope-may-be-elected-by-members-within-the-catholic-church-but-he-will-be-the-false-prophet/ Message given on April 12th, 2012
—
“You see, children, the truth of My teachings, spoken through My sacred servants is treated as a lie.
Lies, those twisted versions of the truth contained in Holy Scripture, are presented as the truth instead.”
—
Oldman,
That you follow and post lies from a woman called “the mother of salvation” is an abomination. If it were up to me, honestly your links would not be published here. For Ivar has the final say so on this blog, and indeed you do follow a copy cat Jesus.
Jeremiah 5:30-31 An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?
Hi All,
What a shocker this morning. And, like all the other current events (earthquakes, storms, financial crisis, war and rumors of wars ), we are told that this is NOT an unprecedented event. That might be true, but all these events happening at the same time is.
It’s time to visit the prophecies of St Malachy of Ireland, that this is the next to last pope and what’s coming next.
If Ivar will allow, http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/malachy.htm
I’m excited, Come Lord Jesus….
Ivar thank you for the extra historical information I have several friends and relatives who are (they say) devout Catholics. Many prayers and tears over the years as I watched them being told ‘it’s Okay to do this or that ”if you do the hail Mary’s”…their laughter at all who decide to walk the straight and narrow road claiming their walk is what their false religion is the right path..
I believe this will usher in many signs and wonders that will ensnare millions!
..just.. thank you Ivar…and I continually thank The Lord Jesus for His mercy giving those who are His a heart not of eagerness to see these destroyed but rather continue to pray they too will have their eyes opened before it is too late though He tells us many will not come to Him because they love their sins more than Him. (their religion, doctrines, churches, all national pride even Mother, Father, families…Truly this is a Day of remembrance and a Day of Prayer for the lost as well as ourselves to remain faithful to Jesus Christ.
I agree, Andrea!
LIGHTING STRIKES St.Peter’s Dome 6 hours after Pope Resigned!!! BIBLE PROPHECY!
Baloney, Oldman. Lightning strikes that cupola many times. And the Bible talks about rather signs in the heavens, stars, moon, etc. And that will mainly be over the real eternal city: Jerusalem.
And this is why Oldman, you need to repent from your lying ways. Lightning striking St. Peter’s Dome is probably a normal thing, but then again, satan has and will perform counterfeit signs and lying wonders.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,
Amen!, Gloria. Amen!
it is a sign that it happened on the day the pope said he would resign. same as the “peace dove” he released not long ago being attacked by a seagull.
poor dove attacked by the Sea gull…ewww…
many strange things happen…some denounce them some sit back and put their hands to their mouths as they watch…stranger things will most definitely happen so much so many will call it ”of God” ….
they tend to changed things to suit what they want people to believe…few speak of the Female who became Pope and got pregnant and delivered the child…”Little Ole Pope Joan”….but their history books deleted that as a folklore…yet real history bares it out as fact. …but you won’t find her in the annuals of the Pope Royal Call….that is just like no one will find all the child molesters in their ”Priests List of who is and who has been sent to more places”
yes, stranger things will happen. and there was no pope joan. they would not have allowed a woman as pope. maybe you are referring to “joan of arc?”
but this is all in God’s hands for sure. you will see it all culminate in a very very short period of time. remember all this when a man claims he is god (on this earth) and you are to worship him. he and his followers will do many signs and wonders. people will follow in droves. then he will make you and all take a mark on your forehead or right hand.
remember this and don’t follow him and don’t take the mark. if you do, you will have his fate.
You said….”yes, stranger things will happen. and there was no pope joan. they would not have allowed a woman as pope. maybe you are referring to “joan of arc?” ”
…………..Okay………..(smile)
::pbspt::…My smile was and is only ‘a smile’ to say ”believe what you will dear”….I “do know”…the difference between who Joan of Arc is and the Female Pope Joan…:::smile:: who is so conveniently removed from the roles of ”Pope” (smile)
they would not have allowed a female pope.
….Okay….
Quote from the article,
“The last pope to stand down was Gregory XII, who did so in 1415 to end the damaging Western Schism, the split that divided the Catholic church for nearly 40 years….”
End quote.
That division started in 1378 when there were two popes at the same time, Clement VII and Urban VI, each one excommunicating the other and calling each other antichrist.
John Wycliffe regarded them as both being right “two halves of Antichrist, making up the perfect Man of Sin between them.”