Benedict bravely bows out: Who will take the reins?

The Issue: Pope Benedict XVI's surprise announcement of his resignation at this month's end.

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It was both amusing and thought-provoking to open The Post Tuesday and peruse the various items referring to Pope Benedict XVI's shocking decision to resign, from the exaltation of his courage in your editorial ("The Pope's Cross," Feb. 12) to the lighthearted choice of headline.

The pope's examination of his conscience and his truthful assessment of his ability to continue to lead the church was, above all else, an act of supreme humility.

I can think of various, less exalted, world leaders who could use some of his wisdom and realism.Marcio Moreira

Pope Benedict XVI ending Ash Wednesday mass.

Chatham, NJ

Now that Benedict will step down from the papacy, who will fill the "Shoes of the Fisherman"?

A daunting task if there ever was one, for these are troubled times for the Catholic Church. We are in an age where cynicism is the norm and so many pray at the altar of materialism.

If the next pope can inspire both Catholics and non-Catholics to strive to be the best people we can be, to be kind and good and seek the better angels of our nature, then, indeed, those shoes will be filled.

Gary Schwartz

Fort Lee

Farewell to Pope Benedict XVI.

His stunning resignation sets the stage for the Vatican to hold a conclave to elect a new pope. In what could've been a sign from God, lightning struck the dome of St. Peter's Basilica only hours after the pontiff's announcement.

This need not be an end but rather, a beginning to a new chapter. I trust the pontiff will continue to spread God's word as he walks in faith.

When the pope changes, we will change with him, yet no one can really take the place of Benedict.

Susan Davniero

Lindenhurst

Congratulations on the best editorial regarding Pope Benedict XVI.

You have caught the essence of the holiest of men. The last paragraph was written with such love. This article will be framed and kept near me.

Come rain or snow, my husband makes sure we get The Post every day, and we are thankful your paper is carried in New Jersey.Mary Pederson

Bloomfield, NJ

When Cardinal Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI, we all knew his papacy would not last as long as some predecessors, so his resignation should not be a complete surprise.

We ought to praise God for the eight years that he has been able to serve and lead the Catholic Church.

Even though I am not Catholic, I was saddened to read about his resignation. As a cardinal and then as pope, he has been a tireless advocate for the true values of Christianity — values that are sadly being lost and attacked all over the world.

Pope Benedict XVI is one of the few voices that have had the courage to speak out for true Christ-like discipleship and traditional family values.

With his resignation, we are losing a voice of conscience that we can ill afford to lose, even as it has been rejected and criticized.

I will have him in my prayers. Johann Arnold

Rifton

I guessed right on the last pope. When the white smoke went up, I said, "Ratzinger."

This one is going to be tougher. It should be somebody from a conflict zone.

If Francis Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria were 10 years younger, I'd go for him.

I'd still prefer somebody from southern Africa, but is there anyone tough enough?