F**k Off, German C**t': Death Wishes and Hate Swirl on Social Media Following Pope Benedict's Resignation Announcement

Editor's Note: The following story includes offensive themes and language.

Pope Benedict XVI (Photo Credit: AP)

This morning, the world learned that Pope Benedict XVI will become the first head of the Catholic Church to resign in 600 years. The Vatican, citing illness, announced that he will leave his position on Feb. 28. While many have responded with prayer and favorable words for Benedict, others have taken to social media to show contempt and to hurl hate-filled insults. From death wishes to overt disrespect, the themes and messages are overwhelmingly troubling.

Among the more prominent individuals to make his voice heard on the matter was Frankie Boyle, a BBC star and comedian. He took to Twitter to joke that the pope is likely hell-bound, writing that Benedict will soon be laughing alongside Adolf Hitler.

.@pontifexDon't worry, in a few months you'll be laughing about this. With Hitler in Hell.

— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) February 11, 2013

He followed this up with additional tweets, quipping about Benedict resigning after having sexual relations with a woman (obviously something he conjured up in an attempt to spawn laughter) and making other bizarre comments.

The Pope must have done something even the Church finds unacceptable. I'm guessing he's shagged an adult woman.

— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) February 11, 2013

There'll be a resignation ceremony for the Pope, where he fires electrical rays from his fingers as Darth Vader throws him down a lift shaft

— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) February 11, 2013

Boyle wasn't alone, though, in spouting such commentary. Twitchy captured other instances of offensive messages emerging in the wake of the Vatican's announcement. From wishing death upon Benedict to using offensive names and expletives to describe him, the statements coming from many Twitter users were especially vile.

Here's a sampling:

Hey, @pontifex: why don't you die like every guy before you.

— Jens Vanderbeke (@JenzlWashington) February 11, 2013

Fuck the pope and every practicing Chatholic.Evil people

— Anup the S'eair (@MatthuMiller) February 11, 2013

Hahahaha yes @pontifex, congrats on the retirement, now DIE

— Kieran Morris (@hipsterscumbag) February 11, 2013

So, Pope Benedict XVI @pontifex has resigned. Good fucking riddance, you hate-filled, homophobic, divisive, antediluvian little Nazi.

— Darren (@MetalOllie) February 11, 2013

#Pope Benedict XVI Resign you sick bastard!!

— Blackout Sappy #MTV (@BlackoutSappy) February 11, 2013

@pontifex is abdicating in 17 days - BEST. NEWS. EVER. You were an absolute disgrace, hating women, aids sufferers... Fuck off, German cunt.

— Jay (@jasmine_marien) February 11, 2013

Resignation via slitting your wrists in a bathtub please @pontifex.

— Morally Bankrupt(@snaisy) February 11, 2013

Some even created fake messages and pretended to re-tweet (share) them as though they were coming from the pope's Twitter account (@Pontifex is his username). Here are some examples:

Steady on old boy. RT @pontifex: fuck you and fuck your shitty job!!!1!!

— Ben (@ben_postgate) February 11, 2013

RT @pontifex Fuck this, i'm done.

— Max Vedel (@SoGreeen) February 11, 2013

RT @pontifex: Fuck the lot of ya. Go to hell. Cunts.

— something in the way (@AllApologies_) February 11, 2013

So, there you go. And that's only a sampling, as there's sure to be more hate flying across social media in the wake of the announcement. It's one thing to disagree with a religious system or the leaders that comprise it, but wishing death upon someone crosses moral boundaries, no?

What do you think about these responses? Let us know in the comments section.

(H/T: Twitchy)

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Related:

• Pope Benedict to Resign at the End of the Month — First to Do So in 600 Years