On Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:14:43 -0800 (PST), just as I was about to take
a herb, whisky-dave disturbed my reverie and
wrote:

it's a shock because he's one of the first to admit he can't do the job, rather than carry on to the grave.

Not being a Christian/catholic, I had always (obviously mis-)
understood that the Pope could not resign, that it was a job for life,
literally.
--

Cheers

DrT
______________________________
We may not be able to prevent the stormy times in
our lives; but we can always choose whether or not
to dance in the puddles (Jewish proverb).