Georgetowners Comment on Pope's Decision, What Happens Next

Georgetown's Catholics contemplate Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign at the end of the month and what it means for the future of the Catholic Church.

When Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign at the end of February, Georgetowners joined Catholics around the world wondering what the pontiff's decision might mean in the coming weeks and for the future of the Catholic Church. "To me it was a very humble act," Rev. Kevin O'Brien, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry at Georgetown University, told Patch in an interview. "It is a recognition that the mission of the church is larger than any one man," O'Brien added. Georgetown resident and blogger about art and Catholicism, William Newton, told Patch he was both surprised and not by the pope's decision. Since it has been some 600 years since the last time a pope resigned, there is an element of surprise. But Newton said…

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