[TheRealThing]

Benedict XVI was trying to move the church back to a more conservative position. It seems like Popes are always plagued by healtlh issues brought on by age. But, all the sex scandals involving Bishops, along with calls for compromise across the board with regard to the church's position on birth control and acceptance of the pro-choice and gay and lesbian agenda, had a lot to do with his resignation. Most people don't want the fetters of a Godly moral code in their lives these days so, it's very likely Pope Benedict XVI met with a lot of resistance for his convictions. We're living in a time when men reject God's authority;

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

I started to highlight some of the passage but sadly, the entire text is equally relevant in our time.