Features Editor
In a move that shocked the world,
Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he will resign from his post at the end of
this month, citing old age as his reason for stepping down. Pope Benedict, the
265th pope and first German to hold the position since the 11th century, will
officially step down at 8 p.m. on February 28, leaving the Vatican for the
pope’s summer residence. He will then most likely move to a monastery in the
Vatican, devoting the rest of his life to reflection and prayer. In announcing
his resignation, Pope Benedict became the first pope to resign in almost 600
years. Gregory XII was the last leader of the Catholic faith to step down, and
he did so in 1415, as more than one man claimed to be pope, causing a civil war
within the church. Since this is such a rare event, church officials aren’t
positive on what to call the pope after he leaves. CNN Senior Vatican Analyst
John Allen said “bishop emeritus of Rome” is one option. Emeritus is a title
bestowed upon retired bishops and professors.
Pope Benedict, born Joseph
Ratzinger, was named pope in 2005, but he was seen as mostly a caretaker when
he took the position since he was 78 at the time. He will be remembered for the
conservative route during his reign, attempting to bring the church back to its
traditional roots. However, the pope’s tenure was also marred by scandals, such
as the clerical sex abuse scandal and the recent scandal involving his own
butler leaking personal papal documents, which may tarnish his legacy.
After Pope Benedict steps down,
cardinals will meet to select a new pope. With 118 cardinals voting, it will
take at least a two thirds plus one vote to elect a new leader of the
approximately 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide. Any successor is expected to
continue Pope Benedict’s conservative tradition. One Vatican spokesman said the
church will elect a new pope before Easter.
Information gathered from WRAL and CNN
