AN EXHORTATION TO CATHOLICS ON THE RESIGNATION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI
On Monday, 11 February 2013, at a ceremony to name three new saints, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, delivered to cardinals and the whole world the message of his resignation as Pope with effect from 28 February 2013. The reason he gave for his resignation is contained in these words: “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”. He said that in the last few months his health had deteriorated “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”.
This news came as a surprise to people everywhere, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. This is because the papacy is regarded as a lifelong position and in the life time of all of us, no Pope has resigned from the papacy. However, Church law (or Canon law) permits a Pope to resign. The Code of Canon Law states, “If it should happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that he makes the resignation freely and that it be duly manifested, but not that it be accepted by anyone” (Canon 332, No. 2). Nevertheless, when a pope is elected as the Successor of St. Peter, the Church expects that he will remain in office until his death.
However, we must note that in the history of the Church, a few popes have resigned for various reasons. The first pope to resign was Pope St. Pontian, who was elected Pope on 21 July, 230. He resigned as pope on 28 September 235. Another pope to resign was St. Celestine V, who was elected pope on 5 July 1294 and was crowned pope on 29 August 1294. He resigned on 13 December 1294, after only five months in office. Pope Gregory XII was elected Pope on 30 November 1406 and resigned 4 July 1415.
Against this historical background, the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI should not be seen as unprecedented. We should all accept the reason offered by the Pope, namely advanced age and deteriorating health. We should not try to adduce other reasons which the Holy Father has not indicated in his resignation letter. The decision was taken in the supreme interest of the Church. Indeed, his decision not to cling to ecclesiastical power in the face of his “incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry” entrusted to him must be commended, and should be recommended to some people in the corridors of political power.
I appeal to all not to be distressed by the news of the Pope’s resignation. It is natural for us to feel sad, as we are “losing” our spiritual Father. However, we should take consolation in the fact that before long we shall have a new pope. Next month, the College of Cardinals will meet in conclave and will elect a new pope, hopefully before Easter. We will not be left orphans. In the meantime, I ask everyone, especially Catholics, to remember the Holy Father in their prayers so that he may have a peaceful and restful retirement. I would also ask you all, my dear people of God, especially during this Lenten season, to pray for the Cardinals as they meet in conclave so that the Holy Spirit will enlighten them to choose the right person to succeed Pope Benedict XVI in the Petrine ministry.
Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu
President, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference
and Bishop of Konongo-Mampong