On one hand, no one should be surprised by Pope Benedict’s resignation, but on the other, everyone is stunned!  Reality is quite different than theory.  For months many had been speculating that his resignation was imminent.  The evidence was mounting:  a second consistory for the creation of new cardinals in the same calendar year, the ordination to the episcopate of his personal secretary, and most compelling of all his obvious decline in strength.  

I had seen him at fairly close range in October at the Mass for the canonization of new saints, again at Christmas Eve Mass and just last Saturday when he greeted and blessed the Knights of Malta after their anniversary Mass.  Each time I saw him, the Pope looked and sounded noticeably weaker.  Close up photos show his roman collar hanging ever more loosely around his neck and his face more gaunt.

At home, Collegio Bellarmino – a residence for Jesuits doing graduate studies in Rome – the news broke just before lunch.  People were certainly stunned but also excited at the prospect of being in Rome not only for the historic moment of Pope Benedict’s resignation but also for the election of a new pontiff.  Although some were more surprised than others, no one objected to his decision.  

From the roof of our college you can see St. Peter’s Basilica and I have often looked in that direction and said to myself, “The poor guy.”  He's practically a prisoner of the Vatican saddled with this enormous responsibility at an age when he should be able to do as he pleases with the time he has left.  I think if the Pope were our grandfather, and we saw the burdens he is obliged to carry on a daily basis, we would all be encouraging him to resign.  At least in Western Society it is unimaginable to expect anyone to carry such responsibility at the age of 85.

My sense is that here in Rome people are relieved for Pope Benedict.  There is hope and excitement at the thought that the Church will soon be graced with a new Pope and there is gratitude that we get to say good-bye to Pope Benedict without losing him for good.