Does Benedict realize that he is creating a scandal by resigning? I refer to my 1995 Catholic Catechism to define scandal. In the United States, Roman Catholic priests have been shrugging (leaving the church) since Vatican 2. Has the situation of the Roman Church deteriorated to the point that even a Pope will abdicated?
Poor health can not be confined to modern Popes as many of the 16th century (Pius 2, Leo 10) Popes had health issues and continued as Pope until their death.