After much conjecture we now know how to address Pope Benedict after he retires. This morning the Vatican announced he will be called “emeritus pope,” and will continue to wear white.
This is one of the more straightforward elements in what’s proving to be a complicated transition. And it has made has been complicated further by the resignation this week of the United Kingdom’s most senior Catholic – Cardinal Keith O’Brien – for alleged inappropriate sexual behavior towards other priests.
Few people are better placed to shine a light on what might emerge in the coming weeks than David Willey, the BBC’s Rome Correspondent.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.