Today, is a momentous day in history, as Pope Benedict XVI resigns his papacy.
The last time this happened was the year 1414. Christians, at that time, were facing quite a dilemma.
They were being asked to show allegiance to three separate Popes.
The Council of Constance met and resolved the discord by asking all 3 Popes to abdicate.
Antipope John XXIII refused and ran away from the Council. He was subsequently deposed.
Antipope Benedict XIII, of the Avignon party also refused to abdicate his papacy. The Council declared him to be a schismatic (part of a splinter group) and excommunicated him from the church.
The only Pope willing to resign was Gregory XII.
When Pope Benedict XVI stepped aside today, he became the first Pope in almost 600 years, to willingly do so.
Soon, The College of Cardinals will be coming together and setting the time table for their conclave, where the new Pope will be elected.
Arrivederci Benedict di Papa, la pace è con lei.
(Farewell Pope Benedict, peace be with you.)
Remember, do not confuse these people:
i never thought a pope can step down!
Wonderful facts, and wonderful humour to end…