As the Pope, Benedict XVI reversed the excommunication of frighteningly racist and illegally appointed bishops, and discreetly transferred child-molesting priests to other parishes, among other questionable acts. In today’s Daily Comment, Jane Kramer considers his seemingly “rational, considered decision” to resign: “It may be that, however weakened, Benedict was crafty… A new face, with a new infallibility chakra under his papal hat, may be the Church’s last best hope for…continuing its long march backward.” Continue reading: http://nyr.kr/13loRwU

Photograph by Stefano Dal Pozzolo/Contrasto/Redux.