> If Pope Benedict was all he is purported to be, then why would he ever submit to such a cabal? <
You beat me to it. That was my question also. And no, I won’t buy the excuse that he was somehow threatened. Benedict is well aware of the importance of martyrs. So I don’t think he’d shy away from risking his own life.
Something else has to be going on. Just what, I have no idea.
Or...and maybe this is crazy...but just maybe he was telling the truth, that he was tired and his health wasn't great, that he'd hoped to retire before even being named pope, and that he didn't feel he was up to the challenges of leading a vast worldwide organization in a time of crisis.
You both beat me to it and that’s also my question. If he was “all that”...and if a Pope is the defender of the Faith first and foremost...he should have said “bring it big boy” if this conspiracy is true-that is. Seems more likely that he was blackmailed out of the position. Otherwise-he should be spilling the beans if he’s a hero and truly loves the Lord and His church. Why would he let the devil (and make no mistake-Francis is a devil in Papal garb) have it?
But he has family, right?
Many people don't care what you do to them personally but it's harder to make that call when your family is being threatened.