Next month, 117 cardinals from across the globe will gather inside the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, invoke the Holy Spirit and elect a pope to replace Benedict XVI, who's resigning at the end of this month. Let's look at some of the misconceptions about how the cardinals will select the latest successor to Saint Peter.

1. Pope Benedict resigned, rather than remain in office until death, so he could influence the cardinals to elect someone like him.

In the case of the pope's resignation, the explanation — his deteriorating health — appears to be accurate. Benedict recognizes that he is no longer up to the job, and he should be honored for giving up power and position for the good of the church.