11 who shocked us by quitting early

The world was shocked and unprepared when Benedict XVI shook off tradition to leave his lifetime post. But his is far from the only stunning departure.

By Karen Aho, MSN Money

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Jim-Wellington
Feb 27, 2013 8:28PM
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Lifelong Catholic here who thinks there should be an age limit on the Pope.  This old guys are almost dead when they become Pope.  Out of touch with the real world and blind to the problems facing the Church.  It's time to get a younger Pope from outside of Europe, someone who is a little more familiar with the actual WORLD that really exists!
Keys-88
Feb 28, 2013 1:26AM
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Let's get real here! First of all he's the Pope and to include him with the likes of Sarah Palin and Spitzer is just plain myopic. Yes he's old and I do believe his actions speak louder than any words. He understands that he's not capable.

I think we need to do some critical and associative thinking here people.

 

gboin60
Feb 28, 2013 10:43AM
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Pope should come to US and giva a non motivational semenar to the Senate and Congress.  He could explain there is life after politics.  Contrary to most politicians belief, the US would be bettter off if they leave at 70. That goes for the supreme court too.  Pope could at least pray for term limits.
OK19
Feb 27, 2013 9:47PM
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The Pope stepping down is not the same as someone quitting a job early.  He did not make this decision with out being provided divine spiritual guidance. The author paints this as negative for the Catholic Church with terms of "shock" and "abandon". He forgot a few other Catholic Reactions...like excitement and renewal! It also brings Catholics together in prayer once again as a new Holy Father is selected. How powerful to think that the next Pope will have a living ally to consult on all matters of faith. This is a story that is not being covered by any mainstream media because they don't understand, aren't bothering to find out, or don't think it will sell the news.  
Laura Rogers
Feb 28, 2013 4:03AM
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ok, none of the above 11 people can even come close to comparing with the pope.

Rick Harrington (Rick9148)
Feb 28, 2013 10:58AM
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What a completely asinine article! Comparing the position of Pope to Barry Sanders or Sarah Palin??? The journalists of the world continue to amaze / gall  me even when i think i've heard it all. Just amazing piece of crap LOL
mailer
Feb 28, 2013 2:05AM
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Every last one of those Popes who quit, ended up dying!
Ooofaa
Feb 28, 2013 10:46AM
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What about Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions Running Back!)  He would have been the best ever if he kept going
Ooofaa
Feb 28, 2013 11:23AM
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Agreed -Pope stepping down is bigger than an entertainer, etc.  I was more so trying to make a point that Barry's retirement at the top of his game, was more shocking  than Bjorn, or some of the other people mentioend in the article - and thought others would agree that Barry's decision was a shock, and a let down to his fans - althouth it made him the class act he is today!

steveG1956
Feb 28, 2013 11:11AM
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quit "early" due to scandle? 

 

quit "early" due to many years of successful TV? 

 

quit "early" due to many years of success at a sport? 

 

quit "early" due to being a political hack?

 

i don't understand your premis. 

Deckie106
Feb 28, 2013 1:08PM
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The pope even in his worst moments could do circles around George Bush, Ronald Reagan....and few others......jejejeje​
Smaller Government
Feb 28, 2013 11:02AM
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I suppose it's too much to ask, but it sure would be nice if Obama would "shock" us and quit early.  The Country would be better for it.
boriss12
Feb 28, 2013 11:30AM
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Why is this such a big deal? I was raised catholic. After high school I never went to their church. Any thinking person should see their hypocricy. I know more disenfranchised former Catholics who want nothing to do with the Catholic church. I am a Christian, like most of the good people I know, and try to live a good life. Jesus was not a Catholic. Learn the history of `The Church`--all about money and power.
Leapole7
Feb 28, 2013 1:27PM
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Maybe he found out about what the catholic church really is and what it's really about.  If you read the book "Codeword Barbelon" by P.D.Stuart you might  understand what's really going on.
warrensgirl
Feb 28, 2013 1:11PM
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Seriously, who cares if the Pope quits or not. The position of "Vicar of Chirst" is outdated and no longer relevant in a time when most persons can read the bible for themselves.  Back in the day when there was a need for the church to have a leader because of the newness of the Catholic Church it was to advance the knowledge and leadership.  During the Dark Ages, when there were few governments in Western Europe, the Church filled that position also.  But as people became more educated and the Bible more available, the role of the Church in governing the citizens was challenged.  That is what the Protestant Revolution was all about.  In today's world with all of the information readily available and literacy at an all time high, the position of the Pope is a figurehead for a dysfunctional body.  Maybe it's time to end the tradition.
slugman1165
Feb 28, 2013 1:23AM
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Pope peace out and party on
Deckie106
Feb 28, 2013 1:10PM
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Funny.....how people in the US yap about the wrongs of the pope.....when half of them cannt even find Rome in a map.....jejejejejej
Ooofaa
Feb 28, 2013 11:15AM
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Pope stepping down is certainly more important than an entertainer, etc.  I was more so interestred in reminding the readers that Barry Sanders' retirement was more of a shock than that flight attendant or Bjorn....In fact his (Barry's) retirement made him the class ast he is today (as compared to most pro athletes) but did stink for his fans, as he was great to watch.
american440
Feb 28, 2013 12:00AM
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You have only to look at the history of the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ to see the pattern.  The leader of the group, Peter and his counselors of James and John did not abdicate their callings excepting through death.  Power resided in the Quorum in the absence of a functioning Peter.

 

It is the same today.  Functioning Apostles and counselors take over the day to day nuts and bolts of the Lord's church in the absence of the chief Apostle or president.  Revelatory light still flows through the mortal "head" of the church to those ordained and set apart to receive and shoulder the responsibilities.  Relieved of his calling, through death, paves the way for the ascension of the chief Apostle to the position of presidency and mouthpiece of God on Earth.

 

No wondering, no guessing, no politicing, no factioning!  "My house is a house of order sayeth the Lord, and not of confusion."

JWH321
Feb 27, 2013 6:45PM
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How about Richard Nixon?
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