Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation from the papacy at the end of February, the first head of the Catholic Church to step down from the post in six centuries. The move comes as a surprise, invoking shock and disbelief in many Catholics around the world. Benzinga took a look at the Pope’s legacy and his potential replacement.
A Very Mixed Legacy
Born Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, the Pope’s advanced age of 85 years has been cited as the reason for his resignation.
A native of Bavaria, Germany, Benedict XVI maintained a theologically conservative approach to his papacy and strained a defense of traditional Catholic values. He was a staunch defender of traditional marriage, looked upon homosexuality as an “objective disorder,” and denounced the use of condoms as a form of birth control or prevention against HIV/AIDS.
Under Ratzinger the Vatican has become despised and resented throughout the world. He has played a major role in reducing the Catholic Church’s popularity and its authority.
Catholics have deserted the Church at an increasing rate, repelled by the inhumanity of Ratzinger’s unbending adherence to what are perceived as cruel doctrines…
Joseph Ratzinger will not disappear from the scene. Many will sigh with relief at his departure. But we shouldn’t celebrate too soon. He has put in place a college of cardinals that are as reactionary as he is — or even more so.In a Who Will Be the Next Pope?
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