The POPE has died

[tkwetzel]

For those who might have been following the news about the Pope:

Pope John Paul II has just passed away. It is an unfortunate event that will greatly affect many throughout the world.

[Joe Matt]

Wow, this is sad. As a Catholic this is a very sad day. What he has done is amazing.

[Dorienne]

Oh my...This will indeed affect many, Tyler, I agree...My mom's side is Catholic, so this will be tough news for them...

[Joel J]

Originally Posted by tkwetzel

For those who might have been following the news about the Pope:

Pope John Paul II has just passed away. It is an unfortunate event that will greatly affect many throughout the world.

not yet.

[Goobergunch]

For those looking for confirmation:

Originally Posted by The Associated Press

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-traveled pope, died Saturday night in his Vatican apartment. He was 84.

"The angels welcome you," Vatican TV said after the announcement came from papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls.

"The Holy Father died this evening at 9:37 p.m. (2:37 p.m. EST) in his private apartment. All the procedures outlined in the apostolic Constitution `Universi Dominici Gregis' that was written by John Paul II on Feb. 22, 1996, have been put in motion," Navarro-Valls said.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican No. 2 official, led a tearful crowd of 70,000 people in St. Peter's Square in prayers for the pope.

Some people held their hands to their heads in disbelief. Others cried uncontrollably as they stood in the massive plaza beneath the pope's still-lighted apartment windows.

A Mass was scheduled for St. Peter's Square for 10:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m. EDT) Sunday.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...e&sid=84439559

[I'm rather surprised it hasn't been announced on the regional webcast I'm watching by now.] (struck out on edit)

Although there is much I disagreed with John Paul II on, he was consistent in his beliefs and he did a lot of good in this world (such as helping to end the Cold War). May he rest in peace.

[KenWittlief]

Thank you for all you have done

and

God speed

hes done so much throughout these liek 3 decades. its so shoking and an upset that he has died. i will defentily go to mass tomarrow.

[KTorak]

I'm really suprised it wasn't announced at the regional (atleast not Palmetto).

[tkwetzel]

They had a moment of silence at Lonestar for him.

[Alex Cormier]

a new pope has just been assigned.

[KyleGilbert45]

Article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7523254/

But if you are anywhere near a TV, you probably already know.

[Denman]

Benedict the 16th, from Germany

[JoeXIII'007]

Originally Posted by MSNBC

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, a hard-line guardian of conservative doctrine, was elected the new pope Tuesday evening in the first conclave of the new millennium. He chose the name Pope Benedict XVI and called himself “a simple, humble worker.”

...the first German pope since the 11th century

Thank God. We have a new leader.

[Daniel Brim]

Why would he call himself Benedict XVI? Why not come up with something unique? Was he as good as Benedict XV? If I were pope (which won't happen because I don't want to be in the clergy and I'm a deist) I would be something unique (or maybe that's my inner roboticist talking).

-Daniel

[Rombus]

Originally Posted by DanielBCR

Why would he call himself Benedict XVI? Why not come up with something unique? Was he as good as Benedict XV? If I were pope (which won't happen because I don't want to be in the clergy and I'm a deist) I would be something unique (or maybe that's my inner roboticist talking).

-Daniel

From what i understand by watching a few of the plethora of palpal related specials and documentrys running right now:

The usually pick a new name that is more common/offialish, and they usually pick the name to honor a pervious pope or combination of popes, Pope John Paul honored popes John and Pope Paul, John Paul II honored him by taking on his name.