Furthermore

Benedict aka "Cardinal Ratzinger" chose to stand down from an ArchBishop CEO role in 1977-81 and instead then became "Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith" the top theoretician posi immediately before he became Pope in 2005.

Study this well Foxy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Ratzinger_as_Prefect_of_the_Congregation_for_the_Doctrine_of_the_Faith

Amen :)

Waiting Foxy, Waiting... ;-)

What sayeth youse on the late Pope?

Hi Maverick,

The late Pope was certainly an interesting man.
I agree with you that he probably was more of
an academic than an administrator. Although
from some of the things that I have read - he
was very strong-willed and set in his ways. So
who knows? As for his Hitler-Youth background?
That was the norm growing up in Germany at that
time. His family were anti-Hitler, and he was never
a gunner in the Youth organisation he was forced to join. He
also left as soon as he could.

He wanted to be a priest from early childhood.
So he knew what he wanted.

There's an interesting DVD - that might be worth
watching - "The Two Popes," starring Anthony Hopkins.
It's based on the two Popes - Benedict and Francis.

Hi Foxy,

A Pope is buried in a plain wooden box made of cypress, not even polished, as a sign of humility.

Traditionally, interment takes place four to six days after a pope’s death. Three coffins are involved: an inner coffin made of cypress and bound shut with red ribbons; a slightly larger middle casket made of zinc and adorned with a cross, the pope’s name, the years of his papacy and his personal coat of arms; and an outer casket of elm or walnut, which is sealed with gold nails.

Indeed Foxy

The late Pope "was never a gunner in the Youth organisation".

However http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI#Wartime_and_ordination reveals reveals:

"In 1943...he was drafted into the German anti-aircraft corps as Luftwaffenhelfer..."

My own German sources reveal (please protect) that Gunner Ratzinger was an excellent 88mm anti-aircraft gun "Flak" shot, credited with shooting down a Lancaster, 2 B-17s, 3 Spitfires, 1 Mustang and a Hawker Tempest.

Please tell no one, as this is a little secret between you, me, the current Pope and needless to say, God.

In confidence Mavs

PS Foxy

That makes the late Pope an "Ace" with more than 5 required aircraft "kills".

This may have held him in good stead regarding higher things http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Ratzinger_as_Prefect_of_the_Congregation_for_the_Doctrine_of_the_Faith

That is High Prefect of the Roman Inquisition.

Here is early footage of his role http://youtu.be/FAxkcPoLYcQ?t=34s