I was reading an article about why Pope John Paul stepped down to let Pope Francis take the “throne”. He said God told him to step down and let Pope Francis take over (I’m aware of some of the problems he had at the time which may have also contributed). It hit me like a ton of bricks - God is pulling the levers to make this happen. Satan’s not in control. He just thinks he is.
The Roman Catholic part of Christendom might need the challenge of a Francis to get serious about Jesus again.
I question your reading comprehension. Pope John Paul II died. The College of Cardinals then elected Cardinal Ratzinger pope, who became Benedict XVI. Benedict then resigned SEVERAL years later.
Mixing them up is just wrong.
Pope Benedict stepped down, not John Paul II.