Courageous, Inspiring and an act of Humility – The Resignation
of Pope Benedict XVI
The letter of the Pope Benedict XVI who announced his resignation this morning shows that he has made this difficult decision after contemplation and prayer.
Dear
Brothers,
I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is. Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.
From the Vatican, 10 February 2013
BENEDICTUS PP XVI[1]
I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is. Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.
From the Vatican, 10 February 2013
BENEDICTUS PP XVI[1]
No one would disagree that this is an act of courage that inspiries milions of the followers who will recognise his act of humility. His resignation, although not unprecedented
in history, is unprecedented in the courageous act of the present pope. Six hundred
years ago, Pope Gregory XII resigned to end schism in the Church however the
new pope was not elected till his death.[2] When Pope Benedict XVI was elected the Pope in April 2005, He chose the name 'Benedict' to the surprise of many. He was said to be too old to be the spiritual leader of th Church. But many also thought he would resign when he will not be able to continue his office. He has come out with that courageous act. His resignation has surprised many. The seven years [almost 8 years however since it is not completed we could say only seven years: it reminds me of the Biblical significance of the number seven] have been the most difficult time for him, but he has withstood them with courage.
His acknowledgment of his defects and
seeking pardon [in the letter] is the highest expression of a true Christian
and a disciple of Christ. He will be remembered not only in Church History, but
also in World History but also in the hearts of many faithful of different
religions and denominations.
[2] Pope Celestine
V would have been the first to make such a decision of courage. Cf. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/02/11/pope-resignations/1908819/
But he was imprisoned by the new Pope.
The Holy Father has proved himself to be the true leader and faithful follower of Christ.
ReplyDeleteYes. I do think the same.
DeleteLet us pray that he may have a deep Peace as a reward for his exemplary faith and dedication to his ministry.
ReplyDeleteI think that he will also continue to write...
Delete