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| Benedict XVI, the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church |
Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation was a shock – to say the least – not only
to Catholics worldwide, but to the world entire.
Many questions have arisen as to the true reason for the Pope’s resignation: was it politically motivated? Was it an admission of failure to curb the many sins of the Catholic Church? The questions go on and on. Unfortunately, so do the theories and criticisms of his act.
I say enough.
The Pope’s message, delivered in Latin and translated into many
different languages in a matter of hours, says it all: Pope Benedict XVI believes that the Church
requires a person with both the mental and physical agility – on top of the
spiritual maturity and inspiration – to take on the arduous and often thankless
job of shepherding the world’s Catholics.
At the very least, Pope Benedict’s resignation is an act of perfect
humility.
Let’s face it: the Papacy is definitely
one of the most influential and politically powerful positions in the history
of the world. Anyone with the least bit
of desire for power would grab the chance to acquire this position given the
opportunity to do so.
Pope Benedict was never one to deny that he had never sought nor
wanted the Papacy. But he accepted the
role anyway. Another act of humble
obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit through the College of Cardinals.
For once, it may be best to stop theorizing as to the “real” reason for
his resignation, and instead accept Pope Benedict’s act as an act of humble
surrender to the will of the Lord. Jesus
said “…You are Peter… and upon this rock I shall build my Church…” Pope Benedict knows that the rock must not
only be spiritually solid, he must also be physically and mentally sound as
well.
Let us pray for Pope Benedict.
And for all the Catholics out there, let us pray for the Church. Christ has never abandoned us, there is no
reason to think that He would do so now.
May the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI be remembered for his humility
and love – which is so strong, that he readily gives up a powerful position so
that the Church’s leadership may not be compromised.
With love, let us pray for our Pope.
And let us emulate his humility in our thoughts, deeds and words.
