Susan, it did come out of the blue. It is a very courageous act on his part. He has become very frail over the last few years and the part of Pope is grueling. He realizes he cannot carry the mantle of Pope any longer. My mother in law is two years older and I can see how her age and infirmities limit her and so it is with Pope Benedict. I really liked Benedict. He is brilliant and so gentle and grandfatherly.
