He has made suggestions about retiring for quite awhile now. I remember reading recently about speculation about how this would work in light of canon law.
I applaud him for wanting to give the Church a chance to have a Pope who can handle the rigors of the job.
But I will sorely miss this Pope. He has been a good shepherd of the flock.
I feel the same. Is it selfish of me to hope he still has a few books left in him?
I don't look forward to the Catholic bashing and other nonsense we'll be hearing in the coming weeks. I've resolved that every time I hear it I'm going to pause and thank God for having given us such a dear German Shepherd.
Peace be with you.