Not that women's opinions count for anything...

In the news today, the Pope said that his decision was taken "in full awareness of its gravity and rarity but also with profound serenity of spirit."

It must be an enormous relief to him to have found a way to avoid having to confront the evils of the past and rectify them (the two red bound notebooks/folders/dossiers now locked in the Papal safe), leaving that chore for the next Holy Father and allowing him (Benedict) to avoid confrontation or prosecution.

I can imagine the profound serenity of spirit that accompanies such a wonderful arrangement of things--and a sense of relief. Or perhaps he conflates relief and serenity, who knows.

Let no one ever underestimate Ratzinger's intelligence and Machiavellian ability to see the goal clearly and carve a straight path to it.

BTW, I'm glad to see that a couple of important policy changes have been made immediately. The Pope Emeritus will wear a simple white cassock, and brown loafers instead of red slippers.

And while they're making policy changed, perhaps they should consider consider abandoning the church's insistence on priestly celibacy. And admitting women to full membership in the church's hierarchy.