Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign is likely to be repeated by future pontiffs, a professor of theology says.
Professor Neil Ormerod, from the Australian Catholic University, says the Pope’s resignation shows that being the head of the Catholic Church does not have to be a life-long role.
“His resignation is a precedent for other Popes to follow. It shows the job is not a life sentence. It is very demanding and you need good physical ability to do it,” Prof Ormerod told AAP.
“He has shown there’s no shame in backing out.” Continue reading