A eunuch cannot become a pope

[Lovey (imported)]

Someone told me long ago, that the Catholic church checks to see if you have BOTH testicles if you want to become a pope.

Sorry eunuchs. Apparently, at one time, a woman nearly got away with being a pope.

[Paolo]

True. According to Brenda K. Love in her book The Encyclopedia of Unusual Sex Practices, the Pope has to be an 'intact' man.

"The Catholic Church has a law that no Pope may rule who has been castrated or whose genitals are otherwise deformed. Cardinals at one time acted as inspectors and would walk past the Pope, who sat in a special chair exposing his genitals, confirming their approval by chanting 'testiculos habet et bene pendentes,' or rather 'relax, guys, it's all there.'"

One wonders what the nuns thought of this practice.

:p

[Kelly_2 (imported)]

'testiculos habet et bene pendentes,' or rather 'relax, guys, it's all there.'"

:p

OK. I took Latin, too. Without consulting a book, it appears that what you wrote is "He has balls and they are well hung."

Well, I have testicles, too (in a jar), but that last part would exclude folks such as myself, yes?

Love,

Kelly girl

[Paolo]

I think I agree with Robby. I don't understand religion. I thought I did once, but I was wrong. God, was I wrong! And don't think I didn't try!

Why does the Pope need balls then? Why do some Pentecostals speak in tongues or play with snakes? Was it really neccessary for the minister to try and drown me when I was 12 to wash away my sins, or did he just like swimming around the lake with boys? Think of all those poor Jews missing out on the joys of HAM and cheese sandwiches. Does Allah really LISTEN to all that bitching and whining 12 times a day, or does He think 'oh shut up!' ? And if the body is vile and sex is a sin, why did they paint/sculpt everyone naked? I just don't KNOW!!!

Then of course there's Buddhism. I rather like the haircuts and the bright orange robes.

edit: Oh crap, and I forgot the grand poohbah of them all, the Queen Mother of all religious fiascos - CIRCUMCISION!!! It just wouldn't be a religious discussion without THAT one!!! The Pope has to have balls, but we damn well better cut that foreskin off!!!

:p

[BossTamsin (imported)]

I think I agree with Robby. I don't understand religion. I thought I did once, but I was wrong. God, was I wrong! And don't think I didn't try!

I don't think anyone really understands religion. It's just one of those things that exists.

Then of course there's Buddhism. I rather like the haircuts and the bright orange robes.

I've always wondered if I mught have been a Buddhist in a past life.... no reason, just idly curious.

edit: Oh crap, and I forgot the grand poohbah of them all, the Queen Mother of all religious fiascos - CIRCUMCISION!!! It just wouldn't be a religious discussion without THAT one!!! The Pope has to have balls, but we damn well better cut that foreskin off!!!

:p

That's just sickness. Some people just refuse to leave modifications of the body up to those that have to live in it.

IEunuch.

(Don't get me started about my views on God. Unless you like to read rants, that is....)

[colin (imported)]

The RC church is rather reticent about the reason why the check was instituted. Certainly, some of the early christian 'fathers' were eunuchs and this did not seem to stop them from rising to very eminent positions.

The legend referred to is the one concerning 'Pope Joan'. According to the story the Cardinals elected one of their number to be Pope who was actually a woman masquerading as a man. She was only found out when she gave birth to a child.

Whether there is any truth in this or not, your guess is as good as mine, but the RC church has been involved in some very odd happenings so it could just have some truth.

LOL

[A-1 (imported)]

...why indeed does the Pope need balls?

Consider this. He is directing the birthcontrol habits of ALL of the Roman Catholic women. Well, that alone takes more balls by volume than possessed by the entire Israeli Army, Special Forces, Moussad and All.

Or... perhaps what has been said is true...

...God is a comedian who is playing to an audience that is AFRAID to laugh.

...and you thought that YOU had problems and frustrations!

A-1

[Glenda J (imported)]

It is my understanding that some Popes in history were proud papas. Actually, Peter was married and I think most of them were for a several hundred years, but I am not an expert on Church history.

I do know three priests who went the sex change route. I knew one fairly well and asked her if she could go back to being a priest without male equipment. She assured me she could, so being a eunuch is apparently not a bar to being a priest.

[colin (imported)]

Glenda J,

You are right of course. Originally, a 'bishop' was elected from within the congregation and would be married with family. It wasn't until something like the Council of Nicea that it was decided that the clergy should, supposedly, be celibate. I probably got the wrong council, but Pueros will correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, even in the 11th Century married clergy were not unknown and after that it was not uncommon for a priest to have a 'hearth-maid'. There are numerous instances where a Bishop/Cardinal has obtained preference for a 'Nephew' who was probably his own son. Just another example of clerical hypocrasy.

I suspect that transgendered priests would have no chance in the RC church and am surprised that they are accepted.

LOL

Colin

[Bagoas (imported)]

Well, it is a well-known historical fact that Pope Alexander VI was the father of both Lucrezia and Cesare Borgia.