In the last year or two as pope, John Paul the Second had a very difficult time because of his health. Perhaps Pope Benedict witnessed this and does not want to have that happen to him. He has had to deal with difficult issues in his short time as pope and, in my opinion, these many issues have weighed heavily on him.

I truly admire him for his resignation. He holds one of the highest positions in the world, and yet he can let that honor and work go. For me he is teaching the world to let go of things when we need to do so. He models the message that no position, privilege, job, institution, or possession needs to be clung to or always held.

For me, Pope Benedict shows us we are human beings who are subject to life and its struggles which we need to accept, and at times, let go.

What Pope Benedict does after his resignation at the end of February, I do not know. Perhaps few do. I read that he will still live in Vatican City. I personally can see him doing two things--praying and writing.
He still has a good mind and is an intellectual thinker and writer. Perhaps he will continue to serve with advice and insights.

The process of choosing a new pope will be the same process as when a pope dies. The cardinals will be summoned to Rome sometime in March and will hold a conclave--a private gathering of the cardinals--who will select the new pope. All of those who vote have been made cardinals by Pope John Paul or Pope Benedict. A two-thirds vote is needed to elect the new pope. This rule was put into place by Pope Benedict.
What is of interest in this selection is that Pope Benedict, even though he is a cardinal, cannot vote for the new pope because no cardinal over 80 is allowed to vote.

Ron Stegman, married for 42 years, taught theology for 19 years at St. Xavier High School. At present he coordinates small Christian groups , as well as projects for the Third World.