A Call for Pope Francis to Resign

Pope Francis was elected Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013.  This means he has been Pope for more than 12 years.

He was born on December 17, 1936.  He is 88 years old.

He spent 38 days at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome in a recent health episode.

He was diagnosed as being in critical condition. 

We know the pope has a recent history of health problems.

·       Lung and respiratory health challenges.

·       Falls.

·       Colon and abdomen surgeries.

·       Back and knee pain.

His recent history of health problems are documented well in the following articles: an Al Jazeera article; a National Catholic Register article; and a Catholic News Agency article.

He is the 266th Supreme Pontiff.  There is going to be a 267th.  I want the transition to occur as soon as possible.

Before making my argument for his resignation, I am going to write some nice things about him.  I think he deserves that.

He is a good and holy man who loves Jesus and his Church.  I believe he is willing to lay down his life for Jesus and his Church.

He cares about giving people the opportunity to encounter Christ.  He cares about bringing people into the Church. 

His liberal tendencies are not to be dismissed without care. The same for his promotion of environmental issues and social justice.

I believe he will go to heaven.  I believe he is worthy of admiration.

He was called to be the pope for a reason.

He is called to resign from being pope for a reason.

Now I am going to make my argument.

The Catholic Church is an organization that exists in the world.  It is one with and part of the world, but something more.

We are called to live in this Catholic body, while also living in the world.

The pope is in a special position as the head of this body on earth. 

He is infallible in faith and morals.  However, he has the obligation to live his faith and morals. 

I do not believe he is currently doing that.  I believe he has trended in the wrong direction and his ills have become made more and more manifest.

I do not think all of his recent health problems are an accident.

I think there is a matter of negligence in his actions.

I think health, happiness, and holiness are connected.   I think its absence is noticeable.

The Church is meant to give light to the world—to guide it to world peace.

God does not want us to be a people subjected to the world and its intentions. 

The pope has a special obligation to act for the common good and public interest of all Catholics.

Scripture tells us of the new commandment Jesus gave us before Peter’s denial is predicted (John 13: 34).  “I give you a new commandment: love one another.  As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”.

I believe the pope has become confused.

I have perceived a man who is stubborn, who pouts, who is irritable, and who is manic. 

How he looks and sounds is important.

I do not believe that his happiness is in line with my happiness.

We both have a right to pursue health, happiness, and holiness.

Catholics need to be on guard against linking suffering with holiness.

Suffering more does not mean you are more holy or that you care more.

Sometimes the devil comes disguised as light.

Francis, in particular, needs to be on guard.

The devil will exploit weaknesses.  He knows the human person as he or she is.

There is a natural distance between God and the human person.  There is a natural inequity which must not be grasped at.

I understand how the devil comes disguised as light.

I understand the pressure of leadership and holiness.

We must fill the gap between God and us in a reasonable way.  In a way that is holy and measured.  In other words, in a way that is human and Catholic.

We must be united to God in every thought, word, and deed.  It is important that we align to God in a way that is God-driven and not man-driven.

The pope has a right to live his life like the rest of us.  However, the fact remains, he is the pope and has special obligations.  With great power comes great responsibility.

It is a fact Peter was crucified upside-down.  I do not think Peter did this for fun.  I think he did this to bring others to Jesus. 

Faith has to be a real thing in the intellect before it can move to the will and help us reach out in love to possess life. 

Peter was not ashamed of his faith.  Nor should he be.  He, like the rest of the apostles died.  

Death comes to us all.  Jesus is truly judge of the world.  He separates and unites.

Possessing faith that allows us to have abundant life is a gift given from God for a specific purpose.

Thinking about Peter and evaluating the pope is not a bad thing.

I do get the belief that Francis is hypnotized at times—caught in a psychological trance he can’t escape.

Francly, I am starting not to care.

We all face judgment.  The best any person can do is give their all and trust God. 

I get the feeling he likes kicking against the goad.  It is true that a person should be careful lest they hurt their self.

We are not obligated to follow bad leadership.  Indeed, our obligation is to Jesus and his teachings.

I believe he has placed himself under the microscope.

We all exist together.  The sign of the papacy is 2 keys, not one.

He must rule two kingdoms, not one.

He must demonstrate an understanding of the world and how to subdue it in wisdom or resign.

Francly, that is where we–those who exist on this planet and like to live and breathe–are at.

He needs to make a free will choice for Jesus.  That is the only way the world will follow.

Creation–all of creation–was designed to follow and know Jesus.

Not in an imaginary way in which Catholics are treated like kings by an adoring world.  But in a way which brings order through the natural and eternal law.

We are not allowed to be blown out of position by the wind and dismiss it as God’s will. 

Sin weakens our familial bond and merits punishment.  Furthermore, certain types of sin can separate us from God and one another if knowledge and consent are present.

I understand the pope’s willingness to suffer.  I understand his desire to be close to Jesus on the cross.

However, Jesus suffered and died for a purpose.  We are not called to suffer and die without purpose.

We are not excused from being in the world.  We are called to subdue it.  This must be done in the right spirit. 

Triumph is not done through superhuman strength, but through gentleness to the will of God.

I want the pope to be one with the will of Jesus.  One with his will calling his people to victory.

I believe the best way to do this is to set an example and resign.

I do not think the pope is capable of providing the leadership Jesus wants to provide in the Church.

I do not want the world to thrive while the Church is left behind to dwell in the world of abstract ideas and notion.

I want a pope who is capable of administering the Roman Curia.  I want a pope who can appear in public and display Catholic charisma.  I want a pope who is a Catholic leader.

Pope Francis has not celebrated Mass publicly since 2022.  Instead he has chosen to be a presider, which means he is in a position of authority over the mass as a priest.  He has not been a principal celebrant since 2022 (Catholic Culture article).

The last public Mass that Pope Francis celebrated was in May 2022 for the canonization of 10 saints (National Catholic Register article).

I do not want to go back to a time before Pope Paul the 6th.  1963 was some time ago.  Before Pope Paul the 6th it was rare for a pope to be the celebrant of the mass (Catholic World Report article).  

God is not subject to the world.  He makes the world subject to his will for his people.

I saw him in his first public appearance since being released from the hospital.  He is frail.  He easily moves with the spirit of the world.  He is not present in the moment.

His mind is somewhere else.  He is frozen in time in a state of curiosity and marvel.

I believe his limited physical mobility and physical problems reflect his limited spiritual mobility.

There is really only so much a person can do—even if that person is the pope.

I believe humility must be forced upon him from the outside—as I do not see him displaying the capacity to lead.

I believe he is tempting fate.  I believe he will fall victim to a “clap trap”.

I do not find him engaging.  It takes effort to be in the moment with him.  It is a sacrifice for me to allow him to exist as he is.

I do not believe the pope is able to lead the Church in accordance with best practices.

God knows how to balance and judge this situation.

I can live happily regardless of what happens. 

At this point, I think two biblical passages are helpful.

First, the passage about Peter and the large sheet of food (Act 10: 9-33).  To quote Peter himself: “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with, or visit, a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean.”  (Acts 10: 28.)

Second, the passage of Romans 14:3. “The one who eats must not despise the one who abstains, and the one who abstains must not pass judgment on the one who eats; for God has welcomed him.”.

It is in the best interest of Catholics and the world for him to resign.

Pope Benedict XVI set a good example.  Francis should follow his sign and resign.

I think he lacks confidence.  I think he does not move with faith.  That is, he does not actualize what God wants him to do in deed.

I believe he has a spiritual worldliness which has resulted in him being self-centered.  However, I do not think he is going to ruin the Church or ruin the life of any Catholic who has a healthy attitude about life.

Overall, when all is done, I think Francis will have helped the Church and been successful.  However, until that moment, there is the present, which must not be ignored.

I do think the vulnerable are most at risk.  Those who don’t link their faith to reason must suffer.  I do think an illumination of conscience is necessary.

I do not want to be a laughingstock or routinely taken advantage of.  Wearing a crown of thorns instead of a crown is not a good time.

We are in the world but not for the world as the prayer of Jesus makes known to us (John 17).

Our faith must be Jesus-centered.  I can’t imagine Jesus wanting any harm coming to those who love him.

Love is a real thing.  It does not exist merely in the mind, but in the person.  The entire person must be possessed.  So, love is not an abstract concept left to the imagination.

Francly, I am bored with him.  Bored to death?  I would rather listen to the music of the world in the spirit of Jesus and chill-out.

St. Cecilia can pray for us both!

I think I am going to enjoy myself and laugh instead of being angry or sorrowful.

I’ve got to measure the temple (Rev 11: 1-3). 

His stay at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome was not encouraging.  Not exactly 40 days and 40 nights.  Some Hold on Loosely (Live) by 38 Special.

I saw his first public appearance again when I was taking a break from the article for lunch (vegetables with grains, mashed potatoes, and cheese).  My lunch was yummy.  He reminded me of Jabba the Hutt with Princess Mary.  Jabba!

I think Mary would have preferred a box of heart-shaped chocolates instead of a hospital stay.  (He began his stay on Valentine’s Day.)

I pictured a tail forming as he was in wheelchair surrounded by his posse.  That is a whole lot of green!  Also, some interesting posture.

The meek shall inherit the (green) land!  Have a green day?  St. Patrick’s Day?  Rick-rolled?

From Daniels Johns and the album Talk: Cool on Fire. 

Daniel is the former lead singer of Silverchair, originally called Sliverchair.

A nice Australian singer.  It’s a fact that Australia is wider than the moon!  I am measuring width not total land mass.

Does anyone want to give Jabba a nice pope hat?  The beauty of animation!

I would like to see Jabba with his skullcap and Leia chained to his throne.  Leia can have a nice papal tiara. 

A regular tiara would come too close to reality.

It’s a fact!  In 1963, Pope Paul VI became the last pope to wear the tiara on the day of his coronation, and then proceeded to donate the iconic piece (The Pope’s Headwear Explained).

That’s two Pope Paul VI references in one article!  So: Celebration!

I originally wanted to do the red-headed girl from Kids in the Hall running up to the screen in an excited manner in the forest telling me “It’s a fact!” but there was no official clip.  So: Kool & the Gang!

Star Wars and SNL!!!  Da! Da! Da!  Dadaaaaa!

You are not going to find me doing John Travolta and Saturday Night Fever when I am going to receive the Eucharist.   However, the music playing in my head silently will be the same:  Stayin’ Alive.

I desire to see my Sunday!  Maybe Stephen Steiniger and Sunday Night Fever?!

He can have the feast; I will take the leftovers.

I would rather listen to the song Everybody Wants to Rule by Tears for Fears than hear another homily.

His homilies have value.  But how much value do they have for me?

What does God want me to do in the present moment?  What does God want the pope to do in the present moment?

I would rather pop that culture than study the law under him.

I will gladly take a vacation on an island in the sun rather than run around like an idiot trying to convince people about how swell of a guy Jesus is until I am exhausted and become immobile (Rev 1:9).

Does anyone know how many times the wind has blown away this man’s hat?  A YouTube search reveals some interesting times.

Got ham?  It’s a dark knight for us all!

Ham hat!

Here is some foreshadowing.  Batman and the Riddler—Edward Nigma or Nygma or Nashton.  It will make sense when I explain it.  So, Bruce Wayne and Ed.  My, Myself, and I.

I am glad they got a J.C. to do Edward in one of the Batman movies!

Catholic freedom, diversity, and accountability are important.

Catholics need to be ready to roll when the pavement hits the road.  I would like to feel and experience Jesus in the world as he is in my heart.

I am going to share some musical videos that are edgy.  Ed is the name of the person who baptized me.  The Famous Mr. Ed?  His official name: Edward Seaward.

From the opening theme of Mister Ed: “A horse is a horse, of course, of course / And no one can talk to a horse, of course / That is, of course, unless the horse is the famous Mr. Ed.”.

I think the EDgy videos as a whole are rated PG-13.  If you don’t want to click on a link—skip it.  If I had to title the videos as a whole, I would title that video All About Steve and the Traveling Hat.

There is a movie which gets us started in the right direction.  It is called All About Steve.  It is about this lady named Mary who is in love with a guy named Steve.  It has got some stars in it.  Watch Mary fall into a hole while chasing Steve!  Here is the trailer.

Some more interesting info for you before I get to the videos: my confirmation name is Christopher.  I am obliged to build off the work of Christ.  Kind of like a gopher.  An animal that lives in holes that it makes in the ground (Cambridge dictionary).  Take your stinkin' paws off me you damn dirty gopher!

Funny memories of Caddyshack and the gopher come to mind.  As does Kenny Loggins and his I’m Alright.  I will make you search those out yourself on YouTube because I am an evil joker.  (I play my music in the sun.)

Also, because my computer gave me the idea of the Minesota Gophers college hockey team and I love to skate on thin ice I am going to give you an opportunity to watch the Gophers beat the Badgers in overtime!  Go Christophers!

Now for the music videos.  I actually enjoy the attitude, pace, and lifestyle.  It is important to remember Peter and the sheet when watching these.  I am guessing that sheet is large enough to cover an altar.

The content in Acts 15:29 is helpful: "namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage.  If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right.  Farewell.”.

First up: a video in which the middle finger pops-up a couple of times.  It reminds me of the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo because of how God is the beginning and the end and how we are in the middle with Jesus working our way home.  That is how my mind works. Roots Radicals by Rancid.  Also: Luke 11:20.

Next up: Kris Kross.  Got to Warm It Up.  “So all of ya’ll with the Dr. Suess riddles, you can get the finger—the middle.”.  Don’t sue the SS!  Those brothers have an interesting taste in how to wear clothing!

And: Spitting Off the Edge of the World ft. Perfume Genius by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs from the album Cool It Down.  Mt 15: 11 comes to mind.

I do not pray to understand everything today.  I pray to understand all that I should today.

“I will let the wind go quietly.”.

All I can think of when I am enjoying myself in this moment is displayed in the beginning of a song by Christopher Cross called sailing: “Well it's not far down to paradise / At least it's not for me / If the wind is right you can sail away / Find tranquility / Oh, the canvas can do miracles / Just you wait and see, believe me.” .

I think Jesus likes when I am in this state of mind.

I was unable to find an official clip of sailing from Tommy Boy to align with Christopher Cross sailing.  So, I am just going to go with a clip of a deer waking up and snorting.  “I think it tried to bite me!”.  You can do your own bible research with snorting and deer.

And because Thomas Aquinas is my friend and doctor: Tommy Gun by the Clash and I Fought the Law by the Clash.

We will accept a “What?” when it comes to this next one: Walk by Pantera (The Woman and the Dragon or Epilogue from Revelation).

I think this is a healthy attitude.  I think this is a healthy sense of Catholic self.

I am not going to link to any more heavy metal videos—a guy can only link so much.  It is not coincidence that my love for heavy metal has grown during the Francis era.

So, no Slayer or Anthrax or any of that other garbage.

And no gangster rap.  Although I appreciate the ruthless dedication to completing a common objective.

However,  my love for sharing a female drummer and a guy with nice black hair is too strong to pass on!  Nice weather: Treat Me Like Your Mother!

This is not how I envisioned writing the ending section of this article, but sometimes things just happen!

I bet I am the first to end an article requesting the pope to resign by quoting a Radiohead song. 

As promised: "Don't leave me high; don't leave me dry.".