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Pope Benedict XVI to resign

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    Father Jonathan Morris weighs in on pope’s resignation

  • Duration 6:34
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He's -- this morning the Vatican saying that Pope Benedict the sixteenth is resigning.

At the end of this month for more on this let's go and out of Fox News religion compared contributor that -- Father Jonathan -- he joins us by phone.

Perfect person to talk to father Jonathan what's gonna.

Good morning I was just about getting.

On a plane when I got -- phone call and -- it's a phone call you would never ever expect to get that is not that the Pope has passed but that -- has to be earning.

And this is -- stunning.

It is edit it takes pride even the courses Vatican watchers.

Why though.

And -- not surprised but why -- again.

Well if you guys haven't -- more breaking news and that -- till the end because I'm just getting this as you are quite.

Monta we can interrupt you right now and tell you that the Vatican is reporting.

85 years old a lack of strength just isn't enough.

-- -- to do the job essentially.

You know done.

He has said in the past and I bet if she got to a point in which.

Physically or and psychologically mentally he was an evil but still the -- He would resign.

Now to keep in mind he watched.

And got close advisor and close friend John Paul the second -- in his last years as Pope.

And she saw not only.

-- Beat the -- that John Paul the second went through during that -- suffering.

But he also saw how the Vatican works when there's -- -- that not able to edit and is full capacity.

Julie Johnson didn't something he obviously had in mind in the past.

That he could do it which is very surprising that he did.

So father Jonathan are you suggesting that did the Pope saw.

Pope John Paul the second in his declining years and said you know.

The people of the of the Catholic community need to Pope who's -- a 100% or as close to it is possible so if I ever get to that state.

I'm gonna just call it quits and that's where is -- and.

You know down.

It's been that -- is a big part of his decision.

We know how old she was John -- the second.

No but keep in mind though.

The Pope is not -- manager and but the white -- shocking the Pope did not first and foremost the manager people -- wonder what they.

-- a protective cordon guarding.

-- teaching of the church and the gospel and and -- you don't need somebody.

Who is a stellar manager at its full capacity necessarily match fight in the past but -- had died in their in their off because.

It's more important to make sure that there's one person at the Helm.

-- who's making sure that the teachings of the Bible -- teachings of the Christian church it teachings of the Catholic -- are being taught in their integrity.

So so father Jonathan as we now we know we know the process of the cardinals game together and trying to get together with the to elect a new poll he addressed the cardinals and told me this this morning how soon T do you believe.

It will be now to a group of cardinals get together -- gets together and votes on a new guy.

Well this is going to be different than done any conclave in recent history because there is no rush.

22.

Pound -- of spotlight because there's been active corporate now.

And so I think we're gonna take some time on I don't know if it's been reported -- eight.

Recognition this February 28.

Everett create a case that's that's a lot of time.

I'm in relatively speaking compared to and previous -- -- we remember that.

John post a contract reactors back on the cardinals were word -- and and began their meeting.

Can -- ask you something -- you know the average -- of the cardinals I -- would would would -- be inclined to select somebody.

Who is is younger or is that seeing as it's not something that you do because you you select somebody who has much more experience.

Well we we have to recent examples that are they're very different one child policy secondly where is.

-- -- at a very young age relatively speaking you know football but it actually.

-- by the Jewish it was already past normal retirement age of increase in parent being being elected -- that certainly -- -- So we we.

We're gonna have a lot of time to talk about who will be the next -- And what he's going to look like we're going to be coming from what 88 will be but -- but -- -- it certainly 88.

In unforgettable moment in the history of the church.

Know that many cardinals -- it's hard to imagine a cardinal with more charisma and and presence in the one we have here cardinal Dolan do you think he's a legitimate contender.

You know.

He would he would respond.

What -- mother thinks so.

You're exactly -- -- and.

And -- He doesn't end -- is such a likable but then come good holy man am I I don't I don't really know but down.

-- -- -- -- Putting his boat into the next -- he will own -- But at the end and father Jonathan we just I got a statement this is what the Pope said earlier today in Latin it's been translated.

After having repeatedly examine my conscience before god I have come to the certainty that my strengths.

Do do my due to and advanced stage are no longer suited to an adequate exercise.

That retreating ministry.

What do you think it -- you know -- first sorts of very humble statement.

Note how times have changed and the role of the Pope in this new -- communication.

Has also changed.

So in the past there when -- -- -- -- in the Vatican behind the wall and he's at this said Durbin.

The doctrine of the faith in chi -- -- writing.

That's what he did nowadays.

The Pope is sort of -- little tweaked.

I'm just gonna say there's a twittering for the Pope who would've ever thought that.

And and so the fact that she is making this statement -- -- on -- -- incredibly humble.

I don't associate them very positive one.

Changing with the times.

Yeah you know it's it's interesting because a lot of times people don't go out on top so to speak and and this is a pure example of humility in that sense.

A father -- we got to wrap it up there hopefully can still -- your flight thanks so much for your time.

I'm -- back into the studio.

Okay all right we'll see you soon indeed.

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