Ex-pope Benedict says God told him to resign during 'mystical experience'

[muriel_volestrangler]

Pope Francis's predecessor breaks silence to contradict explanation he gave to cardinals when he stepped down

Benedict denied he had been visited by an apparition or had heard God's voice, but said he had undergone a "mystical experience" during which God had inspired in him an "absolute desire" to dedicate his life to prayer rather than push on as pope.

The German ex-pontiff's comments, which are said to have been made a few weeks ago, were reported by the Catholic news agency Zenit, which did not name the person Benedict had spoken to.

A senior Vatican source said the report was reliable. "The report seems credible. It accurately explains the spiritual process that brought Benedict to resign," he said.

Benedict said his mystical experience had lasted months, building his desire to create a direct and exclusive relationship with God. Now, after witnessing the "charisma" of his successor, Pope Francis, Benedict said he understood to a greater extent how his stepping aside was the "will of God".

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/21/pope-benedict-god-resign-mystical-experience

[earthside]

1. This is what happens when you forget to take your blood pressure medicine.

You end-up quitting a great job where you get to wear and robe and slippers all day.

[Warren Stupidity]

2. other people are on meds for similar claims.

[trotsky]

3. "The report seems credible." - LMAO

“The president of the United States has claimed, on more than one occasion, to be in dialogue with God. If he said that he was talking to God through his hairdryer, this would precipitate a national emergency. I fail to see how the addition of a hairdryer makes the claim more ridiculous or offensive.” ― Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation (2006)

[Smarmie Doofus]

4. LOL. A voice just told me to rec this thread.

"Follow the voices."

[cbayer]

5. Whatever floats your boat. I'm just glad you are gone

and that your replacement appears to be a step forward, even if it is a small one.

[dimbear]

6. Richard Nixon had various and variable explanations too.

Don't recall any emanations from the Quaker God, tho.

[okasha]

7. As it turned out,

Nixon's closest advisor seems to have been Jim Beam.

[LeftishBrit]

8. If anything COULD persuade me to believe in God, it might have been that!