Catholics are obligated to follow many 'man-made' rules; rules determined to be the 'will of God.' For example: no contraception,because if God wants you to have children, you must welcome them lovingly into your lives. Euthanasia? GOD decides when you've suffered enough.

Now... didn't God inspire the selection of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope back in 2005? Don't Catholics believe that this choice was God's, expressed via the Conclave? And isn't it God's will that the Pope serve until GOD decides otherwise?

Weak, tired, ill. Understandable reasons for wanting to call it a day; a career; a life. But Catholics are taught that when we suffer we emulate Jesus - and should be privileged to do so. That others can learn and be inspired by our struggle.

Pope Benedict chose not to be such an inspiration - nor to complete his mission as assigned by God. HE decided when it was time to go: when it was best for him.

God Bless him for it.

Perhaps now the Church can recognize that ALL Catholics - all PEOPLE - are entitled to the same right: to behave in a way that, in their hearts, consciences, and to their God, is best for them. Family planning, women priests, gay marriage...all concepts that seem forever banned from Catholic life. But today, with this highest example of being able to choose from our own hearts and consciences what is best for us and those we love, perhaps there is hope for that ability to choose to be part of the Catholic doctrine. Perhaps all Catholics will one day soon have those choices.

Perhaps Benedict's resignation IS God's will, after all.