I just think people are stupid to be shocked about this!
The man is 85! The man feels as though he is losing is health!
Even popes and members of the clergy can possibly have Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss.
As time goes on, people lose energy--we're talking 85 years old!
At that age, some people barely have the energy to perform personal hygiene on a daily basis.

I just want to tell the media to 'give it up' when they keep going on about what a shocking story it is.

 

i don't see why it's a big deal either...

 

It's only a big deal because it's a position that is typically held until death.

 

well i know, but if the guy doesn't feel like he can give 100% anymore, then at least he understands the importance of his position to resign...

 

That's why people are surprised. Who ever heard of a pope retiring? I'm more surprised that nobody is saying that they will miss him.

 

that's a good point.

 

who ?

Note to self - watch more TV

 

It's some guy with tons of money and he wears a funny hat.

 

 

I've been wondering this too... Exactly what good is from an old geezer whose mental and physical abilities compete with a carrot. I've never gotten why the popes DON'T retire, and think that was both gutsy and wise move to do.