On Pope Benedict's Resignation

Contrary to what's overtly on the media, the selection of a new Pope will not likely hang on the criterion of "who's likelier to gain most sympathy and adepts". That may have a bearing, as it is the Church's mission to teach and to spread the Gospels. Yet it is also the Church's mission to safeguard the Truth that has been entrusted to it. Sometimes people forget that the Catholic Church is not about a popularity contest. Though the Church is indeed an institution with secular aspects, its mission is not. The Catholic Church isn't a franchise, my religion isn't a product and the Pope is not God's ombudsman. Though "customer satisfaction" is desirable, we do not place our values on sale to acquire market share, we do not upgrade dogma, we do not modernise our morals and we do not customise precepts. We also don't really recognise "direct competition". Yet, if you don't like our policies, we do accept your right to contact the CEO directly. As for Pope Benedict's renouncing the papacy, I see it as another very sober and courageous act by a very sober and courageous Pope, who did never back down from his solemn obligations with the Faith, the Church and the World. http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/2013/02/an-evangelical-looks-at-pope-benedict-xvi