Pope Benedict’s Courage and the Church’s Challenge

Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to step down as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church was fittingly unexpected for a man who has long defied easy categorization. It was also a brave step at a time when the Catholic Church is facing an array of global challenges.

First, we applaud Benedict’s courage in recognizing that he is simply no longer up to the job. He is 85, and by his own admission in failing strength, mentally and physically. His successor, to be selected by the College of Cardinals, will have to guide an institution with more than 221,000 parishes, 412,000 priests and a faith community of 1.2 billion that makes up about 17 percent of the world’s population. The church runs schools, hospitals, orphanages, soup kitchens and clinics around the world -- a vast network of social support, often offering help to the most desperate, that requires strong leadership.