With the recent surprising resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, a whole new election process must take place to fill his shoes.
Benedict XVI’s reign has had many ups and downs. Considered a champion of traditional Christian values, he has stuck to his guns and faced many problems of the church head on like the child abuse scandal. Although, his past has had trouble escaping him. A mandatory member of Hitler’s Youth and later a german soldier during the end of the second world war, Benedict has had his fair share of hurdles in the lime light.
It has been almost 600 years since the last pope resigned. Whether it was for health reasons as stated or hidden inner-church drama doesn’t matter, the real concern should be in who will replace him. Will another strict traditional catholic replace him or are they considering a younger, more open-minded leader?
Today’s graphic details the process of pope election. Just like our political system, there are rules and regulations on picking a secessor. Two thirds of Cardinals must agree on the next Pope. Let’s hope he is an adequate addition to long list of Popes. [Via]
