Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from his post came as a major shock to everyone including members of his inner circle. The resignation did not come with a special specific announcement to that end but rather as part of routine proceedings. The Pope cited ill health and advanced age this was the first resignation in six centuries. The resignation of the church's key figure brings about interesting questions.
The first question is: Who will replace him? The fact is that whoever replaces the pope has their hands full. The Catholic Church is facing crises left and right starting with allegations of sexual abuse cover up that undermine its moral authority. Whoever is chosen must have an understanding of the Catholic Church's present issues including the advent of the Evangelical Movement in Latin America and Africa. The next pope needs to be someone with a more human touch and a less authoritative and standoffish attitude. Pope Benedict was no John Paul II when it came to giving off an air of accessibility.
A second question: Will this be a lifetime commitment for the next guy? The fact that this is the first Pope to cash in the 401k in six centuries makes me wonder if there is a new precedent about to establish itself. The Pope is the key figure in church but let's understand one thing, being the Pope is almost like being a political figure. The Pope is the spiritual leader of something close to a billion followers worldwide. While the church no longer influences policy due to separation of church and state the fact is that the church is no less powerful or able to create controversy given it's stances on issues ranging from birth control to policy.
The Pope's resignation was a move that was practical in nature but at the same time it shows one thing, the church is in a state of chaos. The controversy that seems to surround the catholic church is entirely too much. The views and disputes on birth control and approaching populations is far more than people seem to understand. The fact is that church doctrine is less important to people in general since there is a separation of church and state but these are still matters of real importance on the world stage.
If I were to classify this particular Pope it would be as a transitional figure. John Paul II was at the helm for 26 years and became an iconic figure of mythical proportions. It would never be possible to replace him let alone find someone to have a similar impact. Now I assume the church will try to find someone that stands out as far more polarizing, open, and appealing. Given the current state of the church it's fair to wonder if the next in line will consider their charge a lifetime commitment or see resignation as a possibility.
