And the [iTelegraph[/i group is owned by the Barclay brothers, who are, apparently, quite traditional Catholics.

I wonder if the next Pope will ordain women priests ? Oh silly me they'd never do that would they as they really are sexist, out of touch old dinosaurs.

What I'd like to know is whether Ratzinger will cease to be infallible at the instant of his retirement, whether his infallibility will wear off gradually over a period of several weeks, or whether he gets to keep it as a retirement gift. I think we deserve to know.

He'll be infallible just like the rest of us are. Now he's quitting the Papacy he can be Father Christmas this year to all the little kids in Rome........but don't sit on his knee .

It would depend on whether you could stand the whole celibacy gig and not being able to have the occasional "J Arthur"

rlMaybe there is a nasty, vengeful sky pixie, afterall?rl

Well, it's obvious the boss is a bit narked.

A bit like when he set fire to York Minster after the Bishop of Durham had been ordained.

So, what can we deduce ...

a) He didn't like the Anglican Bishop of Durham being ordained
b) He didn't know the difference between Durham Cathedral and York Minster
c) He doesn't like the Catholic Pope resigning.
d) He does know where St Peter's is.

Classic dementia symptoms.
Mind you he is older than the universe, so only to be expected really, he's had a good run.

That'll be why he's so racist

Probably still dislikes the 6-tackles rule as well.

He said that Islam is an evil religion a few years back if I remember correctly. He'll not be welcome in Saudi Arabia then.

Aye, the pot won't be welcome in Kettleland.

Someone mentioned to me that Malachy or somebody prophesied what all the Popes would be and do and he said the next Pope will be the final one, and he will be the antichrist.

I reckon if this is right, membership of the church will rise exponentially, I mean, who [iwouldn't[/i want to be in a [ireal[/i Satanic cult? Though now would probably not be a good time to be a goat, and virgins could get nervous.

Not sure about that but it sounds fun if it is the case. The next Pope will be called....Damien !!! I think that goats and virgins will be safe as the Church Of Satan has come a long way since then.

Not Damien, the next Pope is (according to this Malachy) going to be Roman Peter. Curiously enough, one of the favourites for the job, and the guy who'll be acting pope till the election, has Peter for a forename, and comes from Romano.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Sounds like being the next Pope could be the devil's own job.

I think the prophesy says it is the last pope, not that the world will end. Does this mean the end of the Catholic Church and it's shenanigans?!