​​”OMG!!”

The first pope from the Americas

“Social Justice moves to the front of the Church’s concerns.”

…Now begins a period known as the “sede vacante” or “vacant see” — the transition between the end of one papacy and the start of another.

“To love the church means also to have the courage to take difficult, painful decisions, always keeping the good of the church in mind, not oneself.”

Benedict decided he would be called “Your Holiness Benedict XVI” and either emeritus pope or emeritus Roman pontiff…

“Divisions, dissent, careerism, jealousies…”

“It takes a lot of guts to take the job and even more guts … to quit.”

“…courage, humility, inner honesty, and a great love for the church.”

“The cardinals vote by secret ballot in the Sistine Chapel (also a part of the Vatican palace) until a candidate is selected.”

• “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God…”

• Report: Pope’s brother says Benedict was considering move for months…

…told by doctor not to take trans-Atlantic flights

• Full text of resignation

• Cardinal Dolan: Thought it was rumor at first during conversation with Matt Lauer…

…”Startled” at the announcement

• Flashback: Could Dolan become next Pope?

• Current odds: Cardinal Marc Ouellet at 5/2; Dolan at 33/1

“From now on you will be even more closely and intimately linked to the See of Peter.”

And have you heard about Beck’s trip to Rome 23 years ago?