The Bishop of Rome is off.

For the first time in 600 years a Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, has decided to resign. Pope Benedict has been God's Vicar on Earth for the last eight years and although he has worked tirelessly over that time it is probably fair to say that he has not made as much of an impression on the world when compared to his predecessor.

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The Office of Pope derives way back to Saint Peter and during their time the Popes have been responsible for spreading the Christian faith, holding immense power over the kings of Europe during the Middle Ages and recently providing the churches view on the important issues of the day.

Recently the Catholic Church has had to deal with some very damaging scandals and a very different world where religion has become less trusted by many and as a weapon by some. It must be very difficult to be a modern day religious leader. It was only recently that the Pope published his first tweet in what must be an attempt to stay in contact with his increasingly technological savvy flock.


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Pope Benedict has stated that his body and mind is no longer up to the task and I guess for an octogenarian that is a perfect excuse.

So in the next few weeks the Cardinals will return to the Vatican drawn together in a papal conclave in the Sistine Chapel. Saint Peter's Square will fill with the worlds press and excited Catholics.

And the planets attention will turn to the chimney to await the white smoke signalling the election of the next Pope. Now who would want that job?

 

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