Pope Benedict XVI Resigns

Lent service at St. Peter's Anglican Church (photo by
Valeria Sistrunk)

Today, Pope Benedict XVI stunned the Catholic community when he announced his early retirement. The 85-year-old Pope plans to resign on Feb. 28, due to advanced age and health issues. 

Michael Petty, the associate rector at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, thinks Benedict’s decision was for good reason. “It’s, on one hand, something to celebrate,” said Petty, “Here we have an individual who has served the church at considerable costs to himself, but also it’s something to celebrate because he recognizes…that his service can’t be continued for much longer.”

Benedict’s decision comes as a surprise to many because popes usually choose to spend the rest of their lives in office.  The last pope to resign from his duties was Pope Gregory XII nearly 600 years ago, which was done to end a civil war within the church.

While the decision to retire comes as a shock to many Catholics, it hasn’t caused people to lose faith.  In fact, Michael Woodward, a FAMU alumni and a devout Catholic says he’s even more prideful of his religion now.  “The fact that this man, the face of my religion, is brave enough to realize that his time has come and gone; I really respect and admire that,” said Woodward.

Many Catholic students in Tallahassee support Benedict’s decision to retire.  They understand why he wants to leave his position, and they know an equally great man will take his place.  Once the pope steps down, the Cardinals will quickly begin voting on the next Bishop of Rome.

Christian Cobb, a 4^th-year business student, was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school for most of his life.  Cobb said, “Being at FAMU, I feel like I’m not really affected by the news.  To me it doesn’t really matter who’s the Pope, because at the end of the day I still love my faith and I still love God.”

Benedict was the 265^th pope, and the 6^th German to ever serve as the Bishop of Rome.  He took his seat in the Vatican in 2005.