Reflections on the last 12 years, and what still needs to be done

I was still working at Vatican Radio when Pope Benedict XVI announced he was resigning his office, way back in 2013.

It shocked the world – it shocked Vatican staff – and it added something unusual to the chance any impending change in papal leadership offers Catholics, as they reflect on the state of the Church. Big ideas were in the air. I was focused on practicalities.

Before the election of Pope Francis, I wrote something about the issues facing the Vatican and the Church in 2013.