I'm Lutheran, Missouri Synod, so I don't know much about these things, but I'm fairly certain that something that hasn't happened in 600 years seems pretty important to a lot of folks in the world. I'm not being flippant or disrespectful, but how does this happen? What do you think he'll do, I mean, in 600 years, there haven't been any living ex-popes. Will this cause a power problem within the church, will he be consulted on certain matters, and will his opinion bear weight? Questions I think many may ask. This is a big deal I think.

Yea I saw this news. 9 years of catholic school growing up and I never even knew this was possible.

I believe he should be commended for admitting his failing health, and unable to fully honor his duties. In these
challenging times for the Catholic church, their leader needs to be strong and vigilant towards the repairs of grandeur
that the few have caused.

They need to let women become priest and Priest be able to marry ,  this may be the best thing that has happen in a long time.
The RC church is hurting with all  the sex scandals , my uncle was a priest but ..... he had lady friends it's not normal folks 

They need to let women become priest and Priest be able to marry ,  this may be the best thing that has happen in a long time.
The RC church is hurting with all  the sex scandals , my uncle was a priest but ..... he had lady friends it's not normal folks 

It's not even biblical. It's only since about the 16th century.

sure is hard keeping good people....sheesh!

will he be consulted on certain matters, and will his opinion bear weight?

Why am I now picturing him being hired on to some news organization and showing up as a "talking head" on the nightly news.   

(I don't really think he would do that, it's just a funny mental image.  "Good evening, and welcome to MSNBC's Straight Dope with the Pope.")

  "Good evening, and welcome to MSNBC's Straight Dope with the Pope.")

With Father Guido Sarducci reporting from a bar in Rome... 

I think you may see a pope of Latino origin. Just my opinion.

If only Obama would too... 

  Heard Bob & Tom discussing this on the way into work today & got a chuckle from their quips;

  Too pooped to pope  and   eggs ( ex ) Benedict.........

Wake me up when it's over.

I think you may see a pope of Latino origin. Just my opinion.

Latino? Perhaps not.

This happened for a reason, and now something wicked this way comes.