  On February 11th, Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world by announcing his resignation as the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic church. 1.2 billion Roman Catholics from around the globe began to speculate why their leader resigned, the first Pope to do so since Gregory XII in 1415. From a statement released by the Vatican, Pope Benedict explains, “Strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.”
The resignation of the Pope is obviously deeply saddening and conflicting for faithful Catholics. The Pope leads their faith and they put their trust in this man to carry out the legacy of St. Peter. However, the amount of faithful, religious Catholics is slowly dwindling worldwide. And not just Catholics. Religion itself is becoming less important in people’s lives. 300 years ago, had the Pope resigned, the world would have been shaken. Catholicism and religion played a much more intensified role in daily lives 300 years ago and the Pope had more power and control than he does today. For many in the world, the Pope resignation has more gossip significance than religious significance.
Hollywood is quick to mock news-worthy events, especially via Twitter. Celebrities used Twitter as a comedic outlet regarding the resignation. Tweets include:
Ricky Gervais: “Being ‘The Pope’ means you are married to God. So, is this like a divorce?” And then tweeted: “@TheTweetOfGod so if being Pope is being married to you, does that count as a gay marriage? Come to think of it, what gender are you?”
Frankie Boyle: “The Pope must have done something even the Church finds unacceptable. I’m guessing he’s shagged an adult woman.”
Christopher Hayes: “Call me crazy, but I think the next Pope should be someone who didn’t help cover up child rape. Tho, that may disqualify every single cardinal.”
LOLGOP: “When the Pope last resigned, in the 1400’s, it almost made sense to have a Pope.”
Comedy Central: “Retirement should be an easy transition for the Pope. He already wears a robe all day.”
Many were quick to turn to social media outlets to express witty jokes and sarcastic comments regarding the resignation. But, these are more than just funny Facebook statuses and clever tweets. These reflect our evolving society that continually turns further away from religion. Jokes would never be made regarding the Pope hundreds of years ago. He was, and still is, a holy figure in Catholicism, yet his meaning has slowly changed over the years.
Each day, it is harder to ignore scientific discoveries and advancements. Science is supported with tangible evidence and proof that provide us with explanations religion can never do. In times of tragedy or confusion, many turn to religion. Why does a child suffer from a life-threatening illness? Why did the massacre in Newtown occur? Science cannot answer these questions, and neither can religion; religion gives people faith when all else fails. But in today’s world, science can explain more than religion. And when one is more trustworthy than the other, many are shedding their religious lifestyles and beliefs.
The world’s reaction to the resignation of the Pope does not mark the day science trumped religion. I think we still have many, many years until that day comes, if it ever does. However, whether we notice or not, more people are now more inclined to turn to science than religion. This global reaction to the resignation is simply a pinpoint example of the inevitable direction society is heading towards.Â