Vatican City and the entire Catholic community are in a scramble right now due to the announcement of Pope Benedicts XVI (the 16th) retirement on February 11th. It became official on Thursday, February 28 2013. Benedict is the first pope to retire in over 600 years. As of March 3rd a meeting has been held with over 140 cardinals to discuss the nomination and election of the 266th pope.
As of today, there is no pope to command over the catholic community or will there be for a while. There have been rumors of a much younger priest or even a non-European priest circulating. At this point in time there are so many factors for the cardinals to consider any little detail can make them arrive with a conclusion.
Benedict had said his reason for retirement was due to health concerns with his advanced age.
It is up to 120 cardinals to nominate and elect a new pope. Who knows maybe the rumors will be true. Now we play the waiting game to see a new pope arise and claim the throne.
