Being Pope is just a job: Is B16s resignation honorable, or a disgrace?

Not only is the pope the leader of one of the world’s largest institutions, the Catholic Church, but he is also infallible.

When the pope speaks it is believed that the Holy Spirit protects him from error.

He is, many believe, the voice of God. However, Pope Benedict XVI has proved through resignation that the papacy may have no direct connection to God.

On Feb. 28, Benedict XVI resigned from the office of the Holy See, marking him as one of only four of the 265 historic popes.

B16, as he is called, will be the first pope to step down since 1415.

According to Time, B16 is stepping down due to his health and advanced age, two things that in most circumstances would be considered truly understandable.

But, being the spiritual, moral, and physical leader of nearly a billion people is not a regular
position—it requires a dedication reserved for astronauts and Buddhists.

By choosing to resign in this day and age, B16 is choosing to show the world that he is no more than a man. The current world is one of fierce and instant information, deep speculation, and plenty of anger.

B16 has one of the largest and most devoted followings on earth; these people admire him, look up to him, and lean on him. His decision must be held up to the 261 men before him who bared the weight of their office and fulfilled their responsibilities.

B16 has shown the world that being pope has no real meaning. There should not be an option to retire from being pope. It is not a sales job at some Wall Street bank; it is a position based in faith and served until death.

This idea can sound rough around the edges, but B16’s break from such deep tradition has revealed a sort of
weakness in the church, an
institution that billions rely on, not just for faith and mass, but for food, water and shelter. In a world with so much doubt, at the very least, the pope can be reliable.