"...In The Hand Of God..."

It is a day the whole Church Militant knew was coming but still did not wish to see.

The 265th. Vicar of Christ, the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church for almost eight years until his surprise and nearly unprecedented resignation, the Servant of the Servants of God, His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger) is now of happy memory.

The Vatican reports the story. (UPDATE) They also published his official biography.

The tributes (as well at the criticisms) will be forthcoming.

With a breath and depth of writings on a variety of subjects, the suggestion of naming him a Doctor of the Church has been made. In order for that to occur, he will have to be canonized. It will not happen subito, but perhaps in my lifetime.

"Well done, good and faithful servant...."

Requiem in pace.