The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
 

The Origins of the Papacy
The first Pope was Saint Peter, one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus. Jesus told Saint Peter that he was to be the ‘rock’ on which Jesus would build his church (Matthew 16:18). The title of ‘Pope’ however, didn't come into use until 366 A.D. under Pope Damascus I. From the beginning, the Pope has been considered to be the leader of the Catholic Church. Amongst other denominations (such as the Anglican, Evangelist and Baptist denominations), whilst the Pope is well-respected and a very much valued figure in the Christian community, he is not seen as an official "leader".

The Role of the Pope
The role of the Pope is to guide and lead the Catholic Church. One of the main jobs of the Pope is to define and explain issues regarding morality and faith. This can be done by interpreting various passages from the Bible in order to provide understanding. He is also responsible for the administration of the Catholic Church in general, such as making decisions in regards to funding, projects, and missions throughout the church. The job of appointing and naming saints is also held by the Pope, as well as a general representation of the church as a whole.

Benedict XVI
He was born as Joseph Ratzinger in 1927, and grew up under the Nazi regime, although he was very openly against it. He deserted the Luftwaffe almost as soon as he was conscripted into it. In 1951, he became a professor of theology and proceeded to teach at several universities across Germany. This lasted until 1977 when he was appointed arch-bishop of Munich, and was made a Cardinal by Pope Paul VI just a few months later. He was one of only two cardinals raised by Pope Paul VI to take part in the papal conclave of 2005, a meeting that ended with him being elected as Pope and being renamed Benedict.

The Resignation of Benedict XVI
Benedict resigned from the papacy on 28th February 2013, becoming the first pope to do so since 1415. He referred to ill and deteriorating health as the cause of his decision, believing that he was no longer able to serve the church to his fullest. He then continued to say that he would serve the church until his death, just not as the Pope. People all around the world were saddened, shocked, and surprised by the news. Most reporters said they respected his decision to resign, and wished him the best. Following five ballots in the Papal Conclave, Pope Francis became the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church on March 13th 2013, shortly after Benedict officially resigned.

Pope Francis
He was born on December 17th 1936 in Buenos Aires by the name of Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Before entering the field of seminary, he was a chemical technician. In 1969, his seminary career began when he became a priest. Between the years of 1973 and 1979 he was Argentina’s Provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. In 1998, he was named the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Francis was created cardinal in 2001. Now, in 2013, he has become Pope of the Catholic Church. This is where he changed his name from Bergoglio to Pope Francis, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis is a first in many ways; he is the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere.

In the Future
Pope Francis' election has been responded to very positively internationally. He is seen as very sympathetic to the poor, with much valuable life experience. The simple way that he lives his life is also highly praised. Although by no means tasked with an easy job, with millions of people around the world expecting great things, Pope Francis is widely thought to be the right person for the job, bringing new ideas and experience to the Church in his new role.