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.
> 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 <
That’s quite possible, of course. Maybe it’s even probable. But there have been many tired and sick popes throughout history. Very few have resigned. And Benedict, being a traditionalist, does not seem to be the type of guy to cut and run.
Besides that, I love a good conspiracy.