[Alex Murphy]

Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to step down from his office was made soon after his trip to Mexico and Cuba in March 2012, according to a senior communications officer at the Vatican....Burke confirmed that the decision was made months ago, after a six-day trip during which the pontiff was described as visibly tired and speaking with a strained voice.

In a story on Voice of America this morning, we learned that

...his brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, has told reporters the pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to make any more transatlantic trips.

[Alex Murphy]

Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to step down from his office was made soon after his trip to Mexico and Cuba in March 2012

On a semi-related note, this headline also appeared in this morning's news cycle:

Mexican Catholics Feel Guilty for Pope's Resignation

[wastedyears]

the pontiff had been advised by his doctor not to make any more transatlantic trips.

Good choice, as evidenced by the actions of those in charge, and if only going by their actions, God has left America.