My husband announced the news about the Pope's resignation about an hour ago. Since then, I've been reading news article after news article searching for more information. All the articles say the same thing. They all quote his official statement at the consistory and remark how this is the first pope to resign since the 1400's.
I wonder if I have missed something. Has there been conjecture about the Pope's failing health previous to this announcement? Has he been suffering more than most 85 year olds? Am I just out of touch with the news? It's no surprise that the Pope is worn-out; it's just surprising that this Pope, who has seemed so unshakable, should fold.
My cynical side is afraid that some scandal is going to be unearthed. Ash Wednesday is nearly upon us, and perhaps it will bring more real suffering, not just self-imposed penances. The focus of prayer for the season is obvious: pray for the Pope and for the Church. This Lent will surely bring opportunities to examine our faith and our consciences.
In the Shadow of the Past
2 months ago
4 comments:
I turned on the radio 30 minutes ago to listen while I started the breakfast dishes, and heard interviews about electing a new pope. At first I thought I was hearing some kind of historical reprise. Then the news came on with the announcement. I am stunned. I turned on the computer to do what you are doing.... reading all that I can. You are on RSS feed, so you popped up first!
I had the same fears, but I do think B16 is a wise and prudent man who recognizes the enormity of his job. Although, what if, in his prayers, he has seen what is coming for the church, and knows we will need a full-strength leader? Kind of scary, but not unexpected.
Emily, Someone shared the following on Facebook:
"Back on April 29, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI did something rather striking, but which went largely unnoticed.
He stopped off in Aquila, Italy, and visited the tomb of an obscure medieval Pope named St. Celestine V (1215-1296). After a brief prayer, he left his pallium, the symbol of his own episcopal authority as Bishop of Rome, on top of Celestine's tomb!
Fifteen months later, on July 4, 2010, Benedict went out of his way again, this time to visit and pray in the cathedral of Sulmona, near Rome, before the relics of this same saint, Celestine V.
Few people, however, noticed at the time.
Only now, we may be gaining a better understanding of what it meant. These actions were probably more than pious acts. More likely, they were profound and symbolic gestures of a very personal nature, which conveyed a message that a Pope can hardly deliver any other way.
In the year 1294, this man (Fr. Pietro Angelerio), known by all as a devout and holy priest, was elected Pope, somewhat against his will, shortly before his 80th birthday (Ratzinger was 78 when he was elected Pope in 2005). Just five months later, after issuing a formal decree allowing popes to resign (or abdicate, like other rulers), Pope Celestine V exercised that right. And now Pope Benedict XVI has chosen to follow in the footsteps of this venerable model."
Looking at the Pope's statement I think he clearly means to set a precedent with the wording about strength of mind and body being necessary to govern the bark of Peter in today's world. I've seen some foolish people denigrating him for not following John Paul II's example and sticking it out to the bitter end. I think that Pope Benedict saw how the Church was being governed by the bureaucracy as John Paul II became more and more frail and saw from the inside that the Church needs strong leadership from a vigorous vicar. I like to think he is looking toward the future of the Church, anticipating that the same thing could happen to him, and reluctant to leave us in the lurch. While JPII provided a heroic witness of courage and how to shoulder one's cross and be a suffering servant, I can see where it would not be good for that to be the norm for the papacy.
I was shocked and dismayed at first but as I ponder it more and more, I can see the thoughtful leadership that might lie behind such a move. Stepping down while he is still capable of doing so and while there aren't widespread calls for his resignation could be a move to protect the papacy and to secure a strong successor to follow in his footsteps.
Margaret, I was stunned, too, but I know I am out of touch with news, so I thought maybe I missed reports of his failing health.
Melanie, that story and your remarks are interesting and comforting. Benedict has been so wise, and I do remember reading somewhere back when he was elected about how he had wanted to retire and play his music, not get elected Pope. I could see him following the example of the pope who retired to lead a hermit's life. But it also seems like the Church is only going to experience more persecution as the culture changes. Sometimes I feel weary of it all myself.
I like this comment from The Anchoress: "John Paul II’s deterioration was hard to watch, but one of the lessons it taught us was that age and illness does not diminish the worth of a person; that was an important, nay, urgent message that had to be delivered to this increasingly utilitarian age.
Perhaps Benedict’s retirement is meant to remind this exceedingly busy world — the non-stop, twenty-four-hour-live and very self-important world — that we are none of us indispensable; that there comes a time to step back, throw oneself into the arms of the Lord and trust that all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."
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