BENEDICT XVI GIVES HIS LAST WORDS AS POPE

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S FINAL 
PUBLIC WORDS AS PONTIFF

http://bostonherald.com - Benedict XVI's time as pope came to a historic end Thursday, as he became the first pontiff in six centuries to resign as leader of the world's Roman Catholics. Pope Benedict XVI delivered his final public words as pope on Thursday to well-wishers gathered at the papal vacation retreat in Castel Gandolfo south of Rome. Here is the translation of what he said, delivered to a roaring crowd: 
"Dear friends, I'm happy to be with you, surrounded by the beauty of creation and your well-wishes which do me such good. Thank you for your friendship, and your affection. You know this day is different for me than the preceding ones: I am no longer the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, or I will be until 8 o'clock this evening and then no more. I am simply a pilgrim beginning the last leg of his pilgrimage on this Earth."

"But I would still ... thank you ... I would still with my heart, with my love, with my prayers, with my reflection, and with all my inner strength, like to work for the common good and the good of the church and of humanity. I feel very supported by your sympathy. Let us go forward with the Lord for the good of the church and the world. Thank you, I now wholeheartedly impart my blessing. Blessed be God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Good night! Thank you all!"
After he was bid goodbye by a line of cardinals, Benedict waved to the crowd of onlookers also gathered for the event. He was then ushered into a waiting black car and driven to the Vatican helipad, where he boarded a helicopter for Castel Gandolfo. As the helicopter took off into the sunny Roman sky, Benedict tweeted thanks to his followers. He will also continue to wear the white cassock associated with the papacy, however, he has said he plans to live out his retirement “hidden from the world.”

In a final public address as Pope, Benedict XVI thanked his followers for the last time Thursday, saying that he was starting the final stage of his life as “simply a pilgrim.” Benedict’s resignation took effect at 8 p.m. local time, making him the first Pope in six centuries to resign from the papacy. The pontiff’s last day was filled with emotion as Catholic followers gathered both in the Vatican and in Castel Gandolfo - the town of Benedict’s summer residence - to catch a glimpse of the 85-year-old. During his retirement, Benedict will be called “emeritus Pope” and “Your Holiness.” Vedic culture is not an organized religion like Christianity. It has no Pope. Despite Hinduism has no a rigid hierarchy, people do recognize and follow spiritual authorities or gurus.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US? 

Hinduism is not based solely on one personality or teacher. It is not like Catholicism which has one pope who is said to be the sole authority over all other Catholics who must obey the dictates of this one man. Hinduism can and does accept the teachings of numerous spiritual guides. .. Hinduism is not subject to an institution or a pope who alone claims to be in touch with God and knows the ultimate truth, upon whom we all are dependent, and who can dictate restrictions as he likes. In fact, any spiritual teacher is only as good to the degree in which he is at being a representation of God's love for us, or at being a transparent medium for the spiritual instructions of God and the previous acharyas or authorities.

Dr Stephen Knapp (Śrīpad Nandanandana dasa) :
"Why Be A Hindu"
"The Advantages of the Vedic Path"
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/why_be_a_hindu_booklet.htm
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/books_by_stephen_knapp.htm

Published by dasavatara das - "Vedic Views on World News"
http://www.vedicviews-worldnews.blogspot.com.ar/