There's a bit of a surprise in the morning news. Not that the reading public is not often surprised with revelations of news as one story after another becomes a controversial issue taking the interest of the wide public.

It is the Roman Catholic element of the world order of religions, however that is affected and shaken to its core by the news coming out of Vatican City that Pope Benedict XVI, in personal recognition of his failing health, age and inability - as he sees it - to fulfill all the obligations of his exalted spiritual status as the elite theologian and shepherd of a vast flock, by his revealed intention to resign.

Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation in a surprise statement

Since, in the modern era, we are accustomed to hearing the gravely sad news of another pope having passed away while still in office, this is a departure from what has been the norm. The drama and suspense around the selection of a replacement will draw the attention of the public until it has been revealed who Pope Benedict's successor will be.

In all likelihood, whoever that eminent personage turns out to be, he will not be accorded the persistent and unsurprising criticism from a variety of sources at the background, and the deeply-held theological convictions that have vexed this present pope's time in office. Nor would any individual be likely to excite the close inspection for that post as did he, until that time when a black, an oriental, a gay, or finally, a woman is selected.

Love, equality and goodwill in God's care of His flock, to all.