There hasn't been a papal resignation in nearly 600 years, but amidst intense sex scandals involving pedophiles, denial of sex for priests and nuns (end to celibacy), oridination of women controversy, and Gay rights demands, Pope Benedict XVI is calling it quits by February 28, 2013. Europe's influence is declining in the Church with the highest growth in Latin America and even good growth in Africa. US growth is 4th. So the pressure is on to elect a more progressive Pope with social issues while cracking down on all the sexual scandals around the globe. The German Pope is also citing age and health issues because he is 85. But he has been attacked intensely over the sex scandals in the US and even in Germany. This sets the stage for the election of a possible Latin Pope like Leonardo Sandri of Argentina. The Italian candidate is possibly Angelo Scola. Same set-up as last time with a more realistic chance of success for Latin America.

Note: 2 years before Ratzinger became Pope I knew he would be b/c he was defender of the faith and John Paul II's right hand. Ratzinger was called "The Panzer Cardinal" and already knew the count of who was for him in advance! This time I cannot foresee who will prevail. The Catholic world wants a more open leader that can address the challenges of the modern world while maintaining the core of Catholic beliefs. Sex issues (of all types) seem to dominate and the question of ordination of women persists...