Roman Catholics in the Bay area are adjusting to the idea of getting a new Pope, sooner than expected. Pope Benedict, citing declining physical strength gave a two and a half week notice. He will step down as head of 1.2 billion Catholics on February 28th at 8pm.
The news came as a surprise to Karen DeMilt a parishioner at St. Mary's Catholic Church of St. Petersburg. "Pretty much a shock. It never happened in our lifetime and brings a lot of thoughts how this can happen and how the next person will be," said DeMilt.
There has been no indication from the Vatican that the Pope faces any specific debilitating physical condition, according to Bishop Robert N. Lynch, the head of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
"Apparently this decision was not motivated by any news that he has a life threatening illness or anything. He's just feeling the challenges of age," said Lynch. Bishop Lynch traveled to Rome to meet with the Pope last May and noticed the Pontiff using a cane and looking frail.
When Josef Ratzinger was chosen after Pope John Paul II died, he was already 78 years old.
Bishop Lynch believes it will take the conclave of cardinals longer to choose a Pope this time. "A longer conclave because I don't think there's a clear go-to person that will have the 2/3rd majority plus one necessary to elect," said Lynch. He said some believe it's time for a Latin-American or an African Pope.
If a conclave is called by the beginning of March, Roman Catholics may have a new leader by Easter.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-25 13:07:51 GMT
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Friday, May 24 2013 11:40 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:40:25 GMT
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
Friday, May 24 2013 3:34 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:34:55 GMT
The military arm of the Better Business Bureau, BBB Military Line, reminded of possible scams targeting the active and retired military personnel and elderly veterans before the Memorial Day. Karen Nalven,
The military arm of the Better Business Bureau, BBB Military Line, reminded of possible scams targeting the active and retired military personnel and elderly veterans before the Memorial Day. Karen Nalven,
Friday, May 24 2013 12:13 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:13:39 GMT
Is there such a thing as a high-tech bikini body? When exercise and a healthy lifestyle still don't yield the results you want there is a newly approved FDA skin tightening device.
Is there such a thing as a high-tech bikini body? When exercise and a healthy lifestyle still don't yield the results you want there is a newly approved FDA skin tightening device.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:29 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:29:23 GMT
Kmart has launched the latest in what appears to be an edgy string of commercials. In April, one of its commercial went viral for a play on words. Explaining the ease of shipping a product to a customer
Kmart has launched the latest in what appears to be an edgy string of commercials. In April, one of its commercial went viral for a play on words. Explaining the ease of shipping a product to a customer
Friday, May 24 2013 11:40 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:40:25 GMT
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that occurred Friday night at 119th Street just south of Ulmerton Road in Largo.
Saturday, May 25 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-25 13:07:51 GMT
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Events have been planned to celebrate the life of the inverted pyramid, which opened in 1973 - 40 years ago! Events include decades of music over the years featuring local performers, historic water ski
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:28:34 GMT
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to
Fashion Expert Mickey Williams is back with this summer's hottest swimwear to suit every body type from www.BareNecessities.com. www.BareNeccesities.com carries the best brands for bra-sized swim up to
