Pope Benedict XVI, 85, shocked millions across the world last week when he announced his decision to step down at the end of the month.

85岁的教皇Benedict十六世近期作出了一个举世震惊的决定。下个月底，他将正式退位。

announce v.宣布，宣告

step down／resign v. 退位

at the end of something 在。。结束时

As he delivers one of his final message to the supporters, his decision has officially made him the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.

在他向支持者们最后一次演讲过后，他将成为600年以来第一位退位的教皇。

supporter n. 支持者

Leaders from various European countries say the Pope's resignation reflects courage and integrity.

很多西方领导表示教皇退位之举体现了他的正直和勇气。

Over the past years, Pope Benedict XVI was a pope of controversy.

在过去的几年中，他一直是一位充满争议的教皇。

He saw a significant decline in church attendance. He was criticized for doing little over the child abuse crisis. He raised anger among Islamic groups after he compared Islam to violence.

在他的领导下，教堂的出勤率大大降低。公众一直批评他在虐童事件中无所作为。同时，他还因将伊斯兰和暴力相提并论而引发伊斯兰集团的不满。

child abuse 虐童

compare…to…与之相比

raise (anger) 引发不满

Even so, he was still a well-respected Pope who earns millions of supporters across the world.

即便如此，他依旧拥有大批拥护者。

What do you think about the Pope's resign?

对于教皇的退位，你又怎么看呢？