The Excommunication of Martin Luther, however, it was hardly controversial. Martin Luther attempted to deny fifteen centuries of constant teaching and the revelation of Our Blessed Lord to His Apostles. When he wouldn't comply the Holy Father excommunicated him, hardly controversial.
The Vatican is the place where the Worlds Cardinals meet to make the decision. The Cardinals pray and discuss all the candidates and each day they vote. At the end of each day when the voting is complete, if there is no positive decision on the new pope, the voting ballots are burned and the smoke that rises tells the world if a decision has been made. Black smoke, no decision, white smoke and we have a new pope. This process goes on for days and could go on for weeks until a decision is made. This is an important decision for Catholics and really for all christians as the Pope is the next successor to Saint Peter (the rock) who was the first Pope.
At the end of day two in "The Killer Angels," General Lee makes the controversial decision to proceed with the attack on the Union Army at Gettysburg, despite the objections of some of his officers and the risks involved. This decision ultimately leads to the disastrous Pickett's Charge on day three of the battle.
To Catholics the Pope is the head of church. He has what we call "papal infallibility" which is the ability to be correct in any aspect of religeous decision making. Catholics do not worship the pope but see him as a man who can make decisions on how they can have a better relationship with God.
Abortion is a controversial topic.
Obtained the Louisiana Purchase from France, a controversial move on his part since he interpreted the Constitution strictly.
The answer is you make a decision.
Please elaborate...do you mean personal decisions or something else? I make my own decisions based on my faith and prayers. The decisions are made by the pope and the people under him.
No, the pope can not make a new sacrament.
If the situation can not be resolved on a local basis (pastor, bishop , etc.) the 'buck stops' with the pope who would make the final decision.
It took longer than a year. for 6 years it was hotly debated. It took a long time because it was such a controversial issue.
Pope Benedict XVI is the 265th pope.
Make one.