German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict the Sixteenth (XVI)
At just after 6 pm on 20th April 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI.
He will become the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope John Paul II.
The Malachy Prophecies
Read here on "The last 10 Popes" prophesied by the Irish saint St.Malachy.
St. Malachy was well-known for his gift of prophecy. He was born in 1094 in Armagh in Ireland and died on November 2, 1148. He is also known as Maolmhaodhog ua Morgair, Maol Maedoc, and Malachy O'Morgair. He was canonized by Pope Clement III in 1190.
Read here article by Dr. H. T. Spence written immediately after the death of Pope John Paul II and BEFORE the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
When Malachy was in Rome in 1139, he had a vision showing him all the Popes from his day till the end of time. He wrote descriptions of each of the pontiffs and presented the manuscript to Pope Innocent II.According to Malachy, the 267th pope is called "Gloria Olivae," or "glory of the olive." Traditionally, the olive branch has been associated with peace, but in both the Old and New Testaments, it also serves as an emblem for the Jews.
Some believe that Malachy's description of the 267th Pope may instead refer to St. Benedict's sixth-century prophecy that a member of his (Benedictine) order will lead the Church in its fight against evil just before the Apocalypse.If this is true, the next pope (267th) will go by the name of Pope Benedict XVI, in imitation of Saint Benedict and Pope Benedict XV. Benedict XV was a pope obsessed with peace: he sought peace and spoke of peace and wrote documents seeking peace.
The manuscript was forgotten until 1590. The manuscript was first published by Arnold de Wyon. Since their publication, there has been much discussion as to whether they are genuine predictions of Malachy or later culminations by the Jesuits. It has been in print - and hotly debated, both authenticity and correctness - ever since.
Malachy assigned short descriptions in Latin to each pope when he committed his vision to paper. These mottoes usually refer to a family name, birthplace, coat-of-arms, or office held before election to the papacy.
John Paul II was the 266th pope and the 110th pope mentioned by Malachy since his list commenced.
Malachy called John Paul II "De labore Solis," or "of the eclipse of the sun," or "from the labour of the sun."
Karol Wojtyla,his baptismal name,who became Pope John Paul II was born on May 18, 1920, during the solar eclipse.
Being born in Poland, he came from behind the former Iron Curtain. Because of his obsessive devotion to the Virgin Mary, this Pope was viewed by certain Catholic historians to be the fruit of the intercession of the Woman clothed with the sun and in labor (Revelation 12).
According to these prophecies, there are only two Popes remaining after John Paul II.
The Last Ten Popes in St Malachy's Prophecies
1. The Burning Fire.
PIUS X. 1903-1914. This Pope showed a burning passion for spiritual renewal in the Church.
2. Religion Laid Waste.
BENEDICT XV. 1914-1922. During this Pope's reign saw Communism move into Russia where religious life was laid waste, and World War I with the death of millions of Christians who were carnage in Flanders Field and elsewhere.
3. Unshaken Faith.
PIUS XI. 1922-1939. This Pope faced tremendous pressure from fascist and sinister powers in Germany and Italy, but he was an outspoken critic of Communism and Fascism which enraged Hitler.
4. An Angelic Shepherd.
PIUS XII. 1939-1958. This Pope had an affinity for the spiritual world and received visions which have not been made public. Peter Bander says Pius XII "has emerged as one of the great Popes of all time," and he "was in the truest sense of the word an Angelic Pastor to the flock..."
5. Pastor and Mariner. JOHN XXIII.
1958-1963. John was a pastor to the world, much beloved, and the Patriarch of Venice. The connection to "mariner" is thus remarkable.
6. Flower of Flowers.
PAUL VI. 1963-1978. Paul's coat-of-arms depicts three fleurs-de-lis, corresponding to Malachay's prophecy. His coat of arms included three fleurs-de-lis (iris blossoms).
7. Of the Half Moon.
JOHN PAUL I. 1978-1978. John Paul I was elected Pope on August 26, 1978, when there was a half moon. He reigned 33 days, that is, about one month, when he died, although many think he was murdered. He was the 109th Pope - is "De Medietate Lunae" (Of the Half Moon). The corresponding pope was John Paul I (1978-78), who was born in the diocese of Belluno (beautiful moon) and was baptized Albino Luciani (white light). He became pope on August 26, 1978, when the moon appeared exactly half full. It was in its waning phase. He died the following month, soon after an eclipse of the moon.
8. The Labor of the Son.
JOHN PAUL II. 1978-2005. Pope John Paul II was the most traveled Pope in history. He circled the globe numerous times, preaching to huge audiences everywhere he went. He survived an assassination attempt. He has written a book which has enjoyed a large circulation. Like the sun which never ceases to labor and provides light daily, this Pope has been incessant. He was born on May 18, 1920. On that date in the morning there was a near total eclipse of the sun over Europe. Prophecy - The 110th Pope is "De Labore Solis" (Of the Solar Eclipse, or, From the Toil of the Sun). Like the sun he came out of the East (Poland).
9. The Glory of the Olive.
The Order of St. Benedict has said this Pope will come from their order. It is interesting that Jesus gave his apocalyptic prophecy about the end of time from the Mount of Olives. This Pope will reign during the beginning of the tribulation Jesus spoke of. The 111th prophesy is "Gloria Olivae" (The Glory of the Olive). The Order of Saint Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. Saint Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil.
10. PETER THE ROMAN
This final Pope will likely be Satan, taking the form of a man named Peter who will gain a worldwide allegiance and adoration. He will be the final antichrist which prophecy students have long foretold. If it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived.
The 112th prophesy states:
"In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Petrus Romanus, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations; after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End."
Malachy's final words:"Rome, the seat of the Vatican, will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people."
Pope Benedict XVI - Profile
Read here for more
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 78 is now to be known as Pope Benedict XVI.
He presided over the Pope's funeral earlier this month and was said to be among the pontiff's closest friends.
Cardinal Ratzinger was born into a traditional Bavarian farming family in 1927, although his father was a policeman.
At the age of 14, he joined the Hitler Youth, as was required of young Germans of the time, but was not an enthusiastic member.
His studies at Traunstein seminary were interrupted during World War II when he was drafted into an anti-aircraft unit in Munich.
He deserted the German army towards the end of the war and was briefly held as a prisoner of war by the Allies in 1945.
His supporters say his experiences under the Nazi regime convinced him that the Church had to stand up for truth and freedom.
Cardinal Ratzinger's conservative, traditionalist views were intensified by his experiences during the liberal 1960s.
Wolfgang Cooper, a commentator on religious affairs in Germany, fears that the cardinal could become a divisive figure in the papacy.
"I think if Cardinal Ratzinger was pope, a large distance could grow between the leadership of the Church and the faith. The cardinal is a "scientist" who "prefers intellectual discussions, whereas many Catholics want priests and bishops who will touch the hearts".Brief Background of Pope Benedict XVI
April 16, 1927: Born in Marktl am Inn in Germany's southern region of Bavaria near the Austrian border on the day before Easter. Baptized the same day.
1929: Family moves to town of Tittmoning.
1932: Family moves to Traunstein after his father has conflicts with local Nazi Party supporters in Tittmoning.
1941: Enrolled against his will in Hitler Youth. Dismissed shortly afterward because of his intention to study for the priesthood.
1943: Drafted as helper for anti-aircraft unit, serves in battery defending BMW plant.
1944: Dismissed from unit, but returns home to find draft notice for forced labor.
1944: Leaves home to dig anti-tank trenches.
1944: Released from labor force and returns home only to receive army draft notice three weeks later.
1945: Deserts from army and returns home. Captured by Americans as war ends.
1945: Released from U.S. POW camp, hitches a ride home on milk truck.
1945: Begins study for priesthood in Freising.
1951: Ordained a priest along with his brother Georg.
1953: Receives doctorate in theology, University of Munich.
1959: Begins teaching theology in Bonn, first of several appointments in German universities.
1969: Leaves University of Tuebingen concerned about student unrest which had interrupted his lectures with sit-ins. Takes teaching job in Regensburg in native Bavaria, near his brother.
1977: Elected Archbishop of Munich und Freising.
1977: Elevated to cardinal three months later by Pope Paul VI.
1978: Participated in conclave that elected Pope John Paul II.
1979: Vatican revokes theology teaching license of liberal German theologian Hans Kueng, who helped Ratzinger get a teaching post at University of Tuebingen in the 1960s. Ratzinger was sharply critical of Kueng.
1981: Summoned to Rome as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under John Paul II.
1985: On behalf of John Paul II, he denounces a work by Leonard Boff, a Latin American pioneer of Liberation Theology.
1985: Publication of "The Ratzinger Report."
1997: Publication of "Salt of the Earth."
1998: Publication of "Milestones. Memoirs: 1927 to 1997."
2000: Publication of "God and World," "Spirit of the Liturgy."
2002: Named Dean of the College of Cardinals.
April 13, 2005: Publication of "Values in a Time of Upheaval."
April 19, 2005: Elected Pope Benedict XVI.
Papacy Legitimacy and Authority within the Catholic Church
The papacy is based is the declaration of Christ to Peter in the New Testament Gospel, Matthew 16. Jesus said: "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".
The word "Peter" is the masculine term for "a stone, or little rock, or a small detachment of a massive ledge."
"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19). In Matthew 16:19, Peter held the keys precisely as every biblical preacher and teacher does today.
This binding and loosing authority is given to all the disciples (Matthew 18:18). This authority was first demonstrated when Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost and later when he opened the Gospel to the Gentiles in Acts 10.
Dr. H. T. Spence wrote:
It is interesting to note that Peter was openly rebuked by Paul for his hypocrisy among the brethren (Galatians 2:11-14). If Peter was the first pope, and popes cannot be questioned by anyone, then from this line of reasoning, Paul would be in a GREATER position than Peter to be made the foundation of the Church.
It is also interesting to note that Peter was married (Luke 4:38; I Corinthians 9:5) although Popes and priests are not allowed to marry.
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