I willl keep this brief as it is really frighteningly simple. So simple, in fact, that I have held back for days expecting someone to start a similar
thread.
So, here goes.
I wont touch too deeply on the Nazi past of the Pope, as these have been widely covered. But a good start would be the wikipedia page.
In short, "Following his 14th birthday in 1941, Ratzinger was conscripted into the Hitler Youth—as membership was required by law for all
14-year-old German boys after December 1939 —but was an unenthusiastic member who refused to attend meetings, according to his brother."
Now wheres the intrigue?
Well, Pope Benedict will resign on the 28th February 2013.
What other evens have taken place on the 28th of February?
Well, the first President of the Weimar Republic of Germany died in office: February 28th 1925.
Source:
en.wikipedia.org...
On its own, a solitary coincidence.
Fast forward to 1933, and the signing of the Reichstag Fire Decree. i.e the single piece of legislation that solidified Nazi power was signed on: You
got it, February 28th.
(The fire was the 27th, but the actual legislation was signed into power the following morning.)
en.wikipedia.org...
So, two very prominent historical events from a German point of view, both coinciding with his chosen date of resignation.
On the 28th of february 2013, Pope Benedict will resign. On the 88th anniversary of the death of the first President of Germany, and the 80th
anniversary of the signing of the Reichstag Fire Decree.
How long has the Pope been in power? 8 Years.
So ATS, my question - since im never one to go into the numbers of events - is; Why all the eights? All coincidence?
I look forward to your replies
IncrementEthicalAnarchy
ps. Mods, move this thread if its necessary. And I also realise my links may not work, so any help with them will be greatly appreciated as well.