Pope Benedict XVI, the 256th head of the Roman Catholic Church and spiritual leader of about one-sixth of the world’s population, announced his impending retirement, scheduled for the end of this month. Benedict, 85, said a pope needs “both strength of mind and body,” and that his have deteriorated in the past few months. The last time a pope voluntarily resigned was in 1294 — before the Renaissance, Shakespeare and Columbus’ voyage to America. In light of our society’s rapidly changing views with respect to moral and ethical issues, as well as the Pope’s insistence on century-old values, the announcement hardly came as a surprise.

Given the historically persistent combativeness of the Catholic Church against any sort of progress, it seems highly unlikely that Benedict’s departure will do anything to change the perception of this religious institution. After all, it is a declining, anachronistic organization that systematically attempts to shield some of its employees from the repercussions of committing child abuse. The new pope will almost certainly be just as averse to making the tough but necessary decisions that Catholic institutions require to remain relevant in today’s world: acceptance of birth control as a socially and medically useful resource, a decisive course of action against pedophilia by members of the clergy and a genuine willingness to coexist with other cultures. Again, if history is any indication of the future, don’t hold your breath.

Just one look at current events illustrates the church’s rigid attitude. Take the health care reform debate as an example. The president’s recent compromise, which conceded the ability to opt out of providing free contraception to religious institutions’ employees, was a constructive solution for the clamoring American clergy. Unsurprisingly, however, Catholic bishops rejected the deal and continue to vehemently protest the policy. Even if the new pope is considered liberal, it is extremely unlikely that the anti-progress mentality of American Catholicism will change.

This decision is undoubtedly a major event in the history of Western religion. In many ways, the pope faced the same struggle that the church does — the struggle to persevere in a world of scientific and cultural progress despite old age, outdated values and the increasing indifference of a new generation. Even in America, where a major section of the population remains religious, the church is losing clout. Benedict said he lacks the strength to continue. Perhaps it is not strength the pope and the church need to continue but flexibility.

A version of this article appeared in the Feb. 12 print edition. Email the WSN Editorial Board at [email protected].