Its Official: Benedict Becomes Pope Emeritus

Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times

Today, February 28, 2013 marks the first time in six centuries that a pope has stepped down from his position voluntarily. Pope Benedict XVI stepped down as Pope of the Catholic Church and gave his least speech to his people at Vatican Square. He flew around in a helicopter in a town south or Rome for his last hours as the Pope and began to prepare for his new life. The eighty-five year old Pope gave his speech while thousands of people and church officials wept because of their love towards him. They did not want him to resign because he was that one person that millions of people around the world look up to and find a connection between themselves and God. The cardinals will have their meeting next Monday to vote for Pope Benedict's successor. 115 cardinals will cast their votes and the new Pope will be appointed according to their votes. Only church cardinals can cast a vote and that is the only way a new Pope will come up. Pope Benedict XVI pledges to be loyal to the new Pope and have an alliance with him whoever it may be. This shows his commitment and dedication to the Catholic Church that he served for.