Resignation

Pope Benedict XVI has served 7+ years, far less than his predecessor.

I am sure he must have been ambitious; otherwise he would never have been in a position to be chosen as Pope in the first place. And the position itself surely provides many perks and privileges associated with power.

This is all to say that while it is difficult for any of us to acknowledge the mental and physical diminishment of increased age, one who holds the position of Pope faces a particular form of temptation. His ordinary human hurdle of pride is raised to the nth degree (as with other very ambitious and successful men who are surrounded by yes-men), and -- significantly -- it is very easy for this pride to take on the appearance of humility, as self-sacrificing devotion to duty.  (The fair semblance is all the more fair-seeming  of course because there is, in fact, a countervailing duty.)

So I'm inclined to say this is a courageous decision. He was surely under pressure to continue on, and was surrounded by colleagues who would have covered for him as long as he lived.  He is renouncing the comforts and support of the papal office, and opening himself to new levels of criticism within and without the church. Although I am sure the church would not allow him to go forth as a mendicant, he appears to be nonetheless proceeding on faith, relinquishing control of his destiny as he faces the inevitable decline toward death.

It is too early to say what the verdict of history will be -- perhaps we will learn of scandals narrowly averted by his resignation -- but it is possible that his claim to greatness (if any) will lie in his humble and prayerful renunciation of rank, leadership, and privilege for the life and health of his church.

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21412609