A role in Rome, thank you Papa Bene!

I got a text message in class from my Catholic friend simply saying “the pope is resigning” out of the blue. What?! I was not expecting another pope so soon since it has only been eight years since Cardinal Ratzinger was elected in 2005. At the same time, resignations have happened before – just not in a long, long time (since 1415). His resignation will most likely, I think, introduce new aspects of spiritual leadership and papal ministry to discuss in the Catholic Church.  

            But people are asking why? That was my same question too, as there does not seem to be any direct influence. However, reading Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announcement fully, it’s exactly because his resignation is not related to a scandal or politics. Rather, Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement came at a time where he demonstrates – in a really bold way – how to discern God’s will and what it looks like for one to live with God’s life as his center.

Contrary to social media’s portrayal of Pope Benedict XVI as failing, abandoning, or giving up, his resignation is one of humility and Christian example. To step down so suddenly is slightly surprising to say the least, but Pope Benedict XVI puts aside the heavy pressure of 600 years to remind us that he did not accept the papal ministry in pursuit of his own self-interests, but to guide the Church while facing the challenge of an environment increasingly hostile towards faith. In his humility, Pope Benedict XVI recognizes his own capacities and limitations in light of the burdensome demands and requirements of the ministry to which the papacy is called. His resignation does not demonstrate a lack of commitment to the papal ministry, but rather a deep understanding of the commitment and the needs of the Church today. Pope Benedict XVI actively showed this by striving to move the Catholic Church towards integrating faith with modern society through his encyclicals, improving interfaith relations, and renewing the faith by declaring in November 2012 as the start of the Year of Faith. He set the stage for a new evangelization and is now passing on the leadership role to one who – also guided by the Holy Spirit – can carry out this mission.

I am moved by Pope Benedict XVI’s great amount of courage and sincerity. By stepping aside, he shows a side of true leadership which is rarely seen in authority figures today. Even though he carries the authority of the Catholic Church, he also carries the spirit of servanthood established by Jesus Christ and places God’s will for the Church above all else. Furthermore, he humbly recognizes that his papacy, despite significant contributions, is only part of a much bigger legacy that began with St. Paul and will continue into the future under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Where do we go from here? In the spirit of the Lenten season, which began with Ash Wednesday this past week, the Church enters a time of reflection and prayer until Easter. It is an excellent time for Catholics – myself included – to challenge themselves to repent and bring ourselves closer to life with Christ. Pope Benedict XVI, in his last homily on Ash Wednesday, calls all to renew our faith and trust in God as a community. The conclave will be gathering after Pope Benedict XVI steps down on February 28^th. You can read more about how it works here.

            Many articles have called for changing of church teachings or set some standards for what people are looking for in the new pope. However, one must remember that the election of the new pope is not a presidential election. These voices and many others out there, miss the point which Pope Benedict XVI is trying to make. I think he’s asking us to learn about humility and Christian leadership which can be applied in our own lives, rather to make demands on making the Church conform to alternative views which we personally prefer without fully listening first (as put nicely in this article). 

            Although I am a little anxious about this change in papacy (okay or maybe a lot), I am hopeful for this next chapter in the Catholic Church history. I anticipate the white smoke and the words Habemus papam! We have a pope!

Other interesting reads: 1 2 3