Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he will step down from his position as the head of the Catholic Church.
According to a Feb. 11 Washington Post article, the Pope decided that it was in the Church’s best interest that he step down, due to his failing physical and mental health.
Pope Benedict will be the first Pope to resign since 1415.
According to a Feb. 11 Chicago Tribune article, the resignation came as a surprise to many, but the Pope’s decision is understood and respected by the Catholic community.
The Washington Post article quoted Archbishop of Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl saying, “The Pope’s love for the church is such that it would be better not to try to lead this huge flock without the full strength of all of his energies.”
According to the Chicago Tribune article, a new Pope is expected to be chosen by the end of March.
