Papal Transition 2013

Kevin White, a Ph.D. Candidate in History and a Protestant, puts the election of Pope Francis into a larger historical context in a recent post at MereOrthodoxy.com.

This new Pope Francis is already an unexpected sort of pope.

It is, of course, too early to declare a definitive take on Pope Francis’ reign. ... By looking at who he is, the name he took, and the first impression he gave, we can already see much that is significant. So far, the theme of his election seems to be “novelty following precedent.’

Originally article at KQED, http://blogs.kqed.org/newsfix/2013/03/13/new-pope-chosen/

Following the selection of Pope Francis, Catholics across the spectrum are reacting to his record on issues.

In a surprise announcement Monday, Pope Benedict XVI said he would resign this month after less than eight years in office. He's the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years, when Pope Gregory XII stepped down, and the first to have done so voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294.

Sr. Marianna Farina, DSPT, participating in KQED's Forum on the topic, discussed potential sucessors and the future of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and worldwide.

Originally article at KQED, http://blogs.kqed.org/newsfix/2013/02/11/new-pope-not-likely-to-soften-s...

With the announced resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, many are wondering about the potential changes with the selection of a new pope.

The resignation today of Pope Benedict XVI marks a significant departure from precedent and historical tradition in the Roman Catholic Church.