Our Pope Benedict is old and wanting serenity in prayers the rest of his days.

Hi, The Vatican is awake for the new Pope. As soon as the white smoke goes up the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the Cathedral bells ring, "Habemus Papam," We have a Pope, the message most anticipated by most believers all over the world. I wonder if our Cardinal Tagle shall make it to the top, who knows, even if I doubt it, we may never know the mysterious ways of the Holy Spirit who guides us all.

As of yesterday, i saw in the news that the Pope Benedict is getting blind. I pitied him. No wonder, he resigned. When his resignation was announced , many of us were surprised. But i wasn't, because for the past months when i hear over the TV some of his sermons such as on Christmas day, i could hardly understand what he is saying because he is already mumbling. Added to that, he seemed slow in movement and bent already. And when i see him like that, i pity him that he has to bear it, because he is the Pope we always look up to. But i am now glad that finally , he would want the much needed rest. He indeed needs it now. I hope a replacement could be chosen at the soonest.

I am not a Catholic, so the pope's resignation does not affect me the same way. I was surprised though, I did not know popes could resign. I rather thought they were like Kings, in the job as long as they lived. In any case, I think this pope is a brilliant man, an intellectual and a very wise human being. I admire his courage to say o.k. I can no longer do an excellent job because I am frail so now it is time for me to step back. Hats off to him.

The news that Pope Benedict XVI was going to be resigning at the end of this month was something that really came as quite a shock to me as I always thought that once you were elected Pope by the College of Cardinals that you were to be Pope for the remainder of your life. That said, though I do respect Pope Benedict XVI, I have to say that I really don't think that he has been nearly as influential during his years in the seat as Pope John Paul II was.

Hi eileen leyva: I feel shocked after the news too. Nobody was expecting this decision but apparently Pope Benedict XVI is not feeling well physically and as an act of responsibility he decided to resign. Let's hope new Pope will follow all his duties as the successor of St. Peter and be an example of Catholics all over the world of God's love. ALVARO

I, too, was shocked and saddened by this news. First thing I said after finding out was: "But whyyyy?????", while a little teary-eyed and in a high-pitched voice, mind you. I couldn't help it.

I have to agree with the Pope on this!! I have always thought it unfair (and unwise) to insist a person stay on the job til his last breath!! No disrespect intended.. I have fond Catholicism in my roots, I simply feel this is an unfair expectation of any human being.

Dear friend, I read this in today's new paper, I never thought of such things can be done as I am a Hindu I am not much aware of these. But once I had a chance to visit Pope Jhon Paul when visited in India and also got the lucky chance to touch the feet, it was something great for me.