Pope Benedict XVI Steps Down

By Aaron Gaglia (@GagliaAC)

Earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI announced his decision to step down from the Papal office on February 28^th, 2013. He is the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415. He announced his resignation in Latin during the Consistory of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Below is an excerpt from the English translation of his remarks:

“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 barque 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.”

Philippa Hitchen of Vatican radio gave a report that included various statements Benedict said that foreshadowed this decision. She reports, “Pope Benedict also alluded to the possibility of his resignation in the book ‘Light of the World’, a series of answers to questions posed to him by German journalist Peter Seewald in 2010.”

Hitchens also reported that Friar Federico Lombardi, the head of the Vatican press office, made it clear that the Pope’s resignation was his personal decision and was not the result of outward prodding. This is very unsettling news to many, but it is comforting to know that this decision was not forced on him because of a scandal or division in the church but rather it was the Pope’s personal decision as to what is best for the church.

Though we wish that Pope Benedict was healthy and did not have to step down, IRD board member Emeritus, Michael Novak, gave comments showing the good that could come from this decision for future popes:

“It was inspirational for the world to live through the long sufferings of Pope John Paul II, but I am glad in this case that Benedict has set a modern precedent for the possibility of resigning in certain circumstances. In trying times, better a pope in full health and strength. Better, too, a calm and orderly transition toward the conclave to elect him.”

We do not know who will replace the Pope, yet many have hopes that Benedict’s replacement could be the first non-European Pope. According to a Huffington Post article, some of the most mentioned possibilities to succeed Benedict include Joao Braz de Aviz of Brazil, Luis Tagle of the Philippines, and Peter Turkson of Ghana. It will be very interesting to see if this resignation could lead to a historic first for the Papal office.

It is also worth noting that this announcement came soon after Pope Benedict made statements bringing awareness to the widespread persecution of Christians around the world (more here). There is increasing hostility towards Christians all over the world and it is important that Christian leaders speak out against it. As Pope Benedict recognized the plight of the Christian church, we hope that his successor will continue his legacy by being an advocate for persecuted Christians as well.