The Pope resigns -- thoughts?

[emily0004]

Pope Benedict announced today that he would be stepping down from his position, the first papal abdication in 700 years.

What are your thoughts? How do you think this will affect the Catholic church?

News article (if someone could make this an active link, I'd appreciate it):

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/11/us-pope-resigns-idUSBRE91A0BH20130211

[marchantmom06]

I'm heartbroken. Because according to St. Malachy, Benidict was our last pope before the anti Christ comes.
I think he is doing what he needs as a human, he is 85, I'm not sure what his health condition is but I can't imagine its good, if he is giving up one of the most powerful positions in the world.

[Anonymous]

He was too old to begin with. Isn't that well liked. Get another Pope John Paul ll. He has deteriorated a lot the past 6 months. Wonder if he has months to live but doesn't want anyone to know. Get someone to make changes.

[Anonymous]

many kids will be thrilled to know they won't get molested anymore

[Anonymous]

What did the Pope have to do with that???

Quoting Anonymous:

many kids will be thrilled to know they won't get molested anymore

[gigis1]

EVERYTHING

Quoting Anonymous:

What did the Pope have to do with that???

Quoting Anonymous:

many kids will be thrilled to know they won't get molested anymore

[1CrazyCajun]

 I'm not surprised. Like I said in other post, everyone knew he was more of a transitional pope and wouldn't be in that position for long. I think a lot of people are wanting there to be some conspiracy there. I kinda think it might be dementia or something. I doubt it has to do with any scandal, because he's proved in the last few years that he faces stuff head on.

[Anonymous]

This was done mostly during Pope John Paul ll reign.

Quoting gigis1:

EVERYTHING

Quoting Anonymous:

What did the Pope have to do with that???

Quoting Anonymous:

many kids will be thrilled to know they won't get molested anymore

[Marimaru]

Eh?  That was going on long before this guy was Pope.

Quoting Anonymous:

many kids will be thrilled to know they won't get molested anymore

[Anonymous]

Quoting Anonymous:

What did the Pope have to do with that???

Quoting Anonymous:

many kids will be thrilled to know they won't get molested anymore

 Oh, he just covered it up and allowed more children to be molested. Many say, the HBO documentary coming out is why he is resigning. Popes do not resign over bad health. They DIE the Pope. Every single Pope except for one. 

[Anonymous]

Quoting Marimaru:

Eh?  That was going on long before this guy was Pope.

Quoting Anonymous:

many kids will be thrilled to know they won't get molested anymore

 And he helped cover it up! Denial is not just a river in Egypt, ladies. Popes DIE the Pope. You wait. The scandal is going to be big and it will bring the Catholic Church to its knees. I would be real nervous if I was Catholic right now because if you believe he is quitting over failing health? You are a huge sucker.