# Roundup: The Pope, living simply, Chinese New Year, ethics classes, sex abuse probe

> One of the possibly unintended consequences of Benedict’s announcement that he is to step down as pope — something unprecedented in the modern era — is that it might set in motion a dynamic that creates renewed opportunities for ecumenical dialogue by offering a new perspective on the role and place of the papacy.

15 February 2013 · News

Canonical: https://insights1.uca.org.au/articles/roundup-the-pope-living-simply-chinese-new-year-ethics-classes-sex-abuse-probe/

## [Benedict’s mixed legacy on ecumenical dialogue](https://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/17981)

One of the possibly unintended consequences of Benedict’s announcement that he is to step down as pope — something unprecedented in the modern era — is that it might set in motion a dynamic that creates renewed opportunities for ecumenical dialogue by offering a new perspective on the role and place of the papacy.

## [40 ways to live simply for 40 days of Lent](https://sojo.net/blogs/2013/02/13/40-ways-live-simply-40-days-lent/)

Use this Lenten season as a time to grow closer to God and simplify your life. Try a new suggestion from this list each day and experience the stronger relationships and calmer pace of an (almost) Amish lifestyle!

## [Lunar New Year through Chinese eyes](https://www.abc.net.au/sundaynights/stories/s3687246.htm)

More than a billion people across Asia are celebrating the start of the Year of the Snake.

## [No places for children in ethics classes](https://www.smh.com.au/national/education/no-places-for-children-in-ethics-classes-20130212-2eb3o.html)

Children are being turned away from ethics classes in public schools because there are not enough volunteers or funding to meet demand.

## [Successor to Benedict will lead a church at a crossroads](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/world/europe/with-popes-resignation-focus-shifts-to-a-successor.html?)

Pope Benedict XVI’s surprise announcement on Monday that he will resign on Feb. 28 sets the stage for a succession battle that is likely to determine the future course of a church troubled by scandal and declining faith in its traditional strongholds around the world.

## [Sex abuse probe being given more powers](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/sex-abuse-probe-being-given-more-powers/story-fn3dxiwe-1226576925182)

The sex abuse royal commission is to be given more flexible powers so it can hear from more victims while remaining sympathetic to their trauma.