Overview

On February 11 2013 Pope Benedict XVI did something that no Bishop of Rome had done since 1415 - he resigned. Accustomed to popes serving for life, the Catholic Church was thrown into disarray. When Benedict stepped down on February 28 the church had had only 17 days to come to terms with this momentous development and speculation was rife as to who would succeed him.A number of cardinals were seen as likely choices, but in the end the election chose one who had been seen as a rival to Benedict in 2005 and was thought to have missed his chance. Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina became Pope Francis on March 13 2013.There are similarities between Benedict XVI and Francis. Both were relatively old on election; Francis was 76, whereas John Paul II had been elected at the age of 58. Both have traditional positions on many social issues. Benedict XVI is an intellectual, however, whereas much of his replacement's reputation is built on his humility and common touch. Many Catholics and other observers of the church are waiting to see in what direction the new pope will steer his church and its 1.2 billion members.

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9781484073728

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