This morning, I am saddened to hear the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI: a man I believe to be a truly great Christian leader, with such influence, in this ever-darkening world. Having read his Jesus of Nazareth trilogy this past year, I found myself inspired by his compassion and heart for the world, his devotion to Scripture and orthodoxy, and his personal relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ.
Having not paid much attention to the former bishop of Rome (to my detriment, I think; I was young, not denominationally Catholic, etc), I'm sorry that I cannot speak to Pope John Paul II's greatness. However, I do know that the Church is losing yet another godly man as shepherd in Joseph Ratzinger. I pray that the man who succeeds him will be in the same spirit and direction.
