Pope Benedict XVI defrocked nearly 400 priests over 2 Years

Very interesting news.

AP has a document revealing info that Pope Benedict XVI defrocked close to 400 priests over two years for child molestation.

For the first time ever, we now know the number of priests who have been defrocked. This document was prepared from data the Vatican had been collecting to help the Holy See defend itself before a U.N. committee this week in Geneva.

More to come of this story

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Lightning Strikes The Vatican

Yes, this did happen

Global news agency Agence France-Presse published an image of lightning striking the basilica's dome, which it said was taken "on the day the Pope" announced his resignation.

AFP said the striking image was captured by photographer Filippo Monteforte, who works for Italian national news and photo agency ANSA.

Monteforte's website shows that he has photographed the Pope extensively for for more than a decade. He is also listed as a AFP photographer, with a portfolio of his work on the news agency's website.

The image was doing the rounds on social media overnight, with some people questioning its authenticity.

Fairfax Media photographer Nick Moir said the image looked genuine.

"It's probably not that rare for St Peter's to get hit," he said.

"The bolt is hitting a lightning rod to the side of the cross, it seems."

Do you think this is a sign?

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Pope Benedict XVI is Stepping Down

Pope Benedict XVI is resigning by the end of the month. Dude only served for about 8 months, but his reasons may be because of his health.

Here's more

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the Pope had not decided to resign because of "difficulties in the papacy" and the move had been a surprise, indicating that even his inner circle was unaware that he was about to quit.

The Pope does not fear schism in the Church after his resignation, the spokesman said.

The Pope's leadership of 1.2 billion Catholics has been beset by child sexual abuse crises that tarnished the Church, one address in which he upset Muslims and a scandal over the leaking of his private papers by his personal butler.

The pope told the cardinals that in order to govern "...both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.

"For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter."

He also referred to "today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith."

He is the first pope to step down in 600 years. I, for one, is glad about this. He said so many hateful things about us and continued hiding the mess of the Catholic Church. Let him go and be tortured by his guilt and actions.

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