Pope Benedict XVI has decided to step down from the highest office in the Vatican come February 28th. This is the first time in nearly six hundred years that a pope has resigned (the last was Pope Gregory XII who did so in 1415 in order to end the Western Schism). According to a Vatican statement, he reached this (very unexpected) decision due to progressive deterioration of his health saying “after having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry”. Considering the very condemning words he has used on LGBTIQ and his involvement in covering up the shameful incidences of sexual abuse in the Catholic church, I will take the high road and wish him good health. I will however leave you with a picture I received from a friend which made me titter uncontrollably for a good minute.
Read more about his resignation on CBC News.
Purple Gloves 