Today we got the surprise announcement from the Vatican that on Feb. 28th Pope Benedict
XVI will resign, the first Pope to do so in nearly 600 years.
In his statement,
Pope Benedict -- who turns 86 in April -- said he had come to the certainty "that
my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate
exercise of the Petrine ministry."
Benedict was known for his die hard position on the old Catholic beliefs
that were against the ordination of women and marriage for
priests. He opposed homosexuality and communism and was never afraid of
upsetting political sensibilities. His beliefs often made him look out of touch
with many Catholics and the steady decline in church membership reflected that.
What's
next for the Catholic Church? Do they take this opportunity to elect possibly a
younger more "In touch" Pope, maybe one that people can relate to and
feel more compelled to attend Mass once again? Or stay just follow their most
recent selection with another just like him? One thing is for sure the process
may be hundreds of years old but what the modern Catholic church needs is a younger
more vibrant leader at its helm.
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