Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world with his resignation as the head of the Catholic Church. When the news broke in Vatican, the rain fell as if it were Holy Monday.

The Pope, Joseph Razzinger in real life, will leave his post on February 28, 2013 at exactly 8PM. Thus, 1.2 billion Catholics around the world will still celebrate Valentine’s Day with him as their pontiff.

The surprising resignation is “because of advanced age”. He is 85.

The resignation is actually less startling than the death of Lolong, the world’s longest crocodile in captivity.

“Strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me," said the Pope according to Vatican.

Vatican spokesperson Rev. Federico Lombardi announced that a new Pope shall be installed before Easter. Leaders in Vatican will vote for the rightful successor, which will be validated by God through a white smoke.

Commissionon Elections head Sixto Brilliantes should learn from their election. Shall we also burn all ballots to know if God is okay with our newly-elected leaders?

Despite the Pope’s age as the mere reason for the resignation, everyone is still speculating why he is rushing to leave his post as the head of the Catholic Church. It is noted that his predecessor Pope John Paul II waited for his death even though he was sick and old.

Is it also because he can no longer handle the 600 new abuse cases that the Church is facing every year? Can he no longer bear the strategies of the Church to cover up pedophile priests? Is he weak to face the anomalies confronting the Catholic Church?

Is it because he can no longer handle all the pressure that liberated people are introducing to the Christian world? The Catholic Church can never accept same-sex marriage, birth control, women empowerment and other issues that are challenging the morality of the world.

Anyway, we must move on. We must not move backwards! Critics have it that under Pope Benedict XVI’s leadership, Vatican has moved backward.

Who will be the next Pope? Will he (no way it’s going to be a SHE) be able to minimize the abuse cases happening in convents and church compounds? Will he continue tweeting or transfer to Facebook? Will he see sell his golden spoon to feed the poor Catholics in Africa? Will he reunite his Church with the British monarchs? Will he be a better leader?

Many interesting questions- and the answers will be divulged in the coming days.