Pope resigns on his terms

Religion

February 22, 2013

Pope resigns on his terms

On Religion

By Terry Mattingly/Syndicated columnist The Picayune Item Picayune Item Fri Feb 22, 2013, 07:23 PM CST

PICAYUNE — In the spring of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI stopped in Aquila, Italy, to pray at the shrine of St. Celestine V.

The pope left his pallium — a wool garment that resembles a yoke, symbolizing bonds between a shepherd and his flock — on this medieval pope’s tomb. Then, 15 months later, he visited a cathedral outside Rome to pray before the relics, once again, of St. Celestine V.

Few noticed Benedict’s actions. So who was this saint? He was the elderly priest who was elected pope in 1294, “somewhat against his will,” noted theologian Scott Hahn of Franciscan University of Steubenville. Before long, Pope Celestine V issued a decree allowing occupants of St. Peter’s throne to step down — a step he then proceeded to take.

Looking back, it appears Benedict’s visit to shrines honoring this particular pope were “probably more than pious acts,” noted Hahn on his Facebook page. “More likely, they were profound and symbolic gestures of a very personal nature, which conveyed a message that a pope can hardly deliver any other way.”

This was a message consistent with the 86-year-old pope’s stunning announcement this week — days before the start of Lent — that he would end his eight-year papacy on Feb. 28. Although it has been seven centuries since the voluntary resignation of a pope, this option remains in canon law and was affirmed by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and the Blessed John Paul II in 1996.

Benedict said he was thinking about the future of the papacy, not the past: “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.”

The Vatican Press Office noted these words were consistent with his thoughts in the 2010 book, “Light of the World.” While it would be wrong to flee in times of trouble, Benedict said: “When a Pope realizes clearly that he is no longer physically, mentally, and spiritually capable of carrying out his role, then there is legally the possibility, and also the obligation, to resign.”

Vatican leaders are planning for the election of a pope by Easter, thus creating a whirlwind of activity. Reactions, so far, have included:

— Catholics United noted: “The Catholic church hierarchy has been seen as an institution overly focused on issues of human sexuality, such as opposition to access to birth control and marriage equality. ... The next pope has a unique opportunity to radically shift the agenda of the church.”

— Benedict reminded the world that humans are not mere machines, “collections of nerve endings, that spark with sensation when rubbed together,” noted theologian Russell Moore of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The pope defended Down syndrome babies and Alzheimer’s patients, as well as those “society wants to dehumanize with language: ‘embryo,’ ‘fetus,’ ‘anchor baby,’ ‘illegal alien,’ ‘collateral damage,’ and so on.”

— Strategically, the key is that Benedict’s “out of the blue” decision will do much to prevent the months or even years of political maneuvering that precede papal elections, wrote Jimmy Akin of Catholic Answers. It also helps that Benedict did not act in response to calls for his retirement, such as the campaign aimed at John Paul II.

At the same time, Akin noted, “advancing medical technology means increasingly long life spans with a longer period of frail health. ... Unless we get really wizard regenerative medical technology really soon, we’re likely to have more popes in that kind of situation, and thus there are likely to be more resignations in the future.”

Text Only

Religion

The strange victory by liberal religion
By Terry Mattingl/Syndicated columnist

The most recent Jewish Community Study of New York held few surprises for those who have followed the sobering Jewish trends of recent decades

April 5, 2013
Movies on Canal begins March 9
The Church at Picayune is hosting a free community event called “Movies on Canal”, on the second Saturday of each month, beginning Saturday March 9, 2012.
A family friendly movie will be projected onto the side of the building at 120 West Canal St in Picayune. Bring a lawn chair and the entire family and enjoy fun-jumps, pop-corn, food, and lots of entertainment at Movies On Canal.

March 8, 2013
Pope resigns on his terms
By Terry Mattingly/Syndicated columnist

In the spring of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI stopped in Aquila, Italy, to pray at the shrine of St. Celestine V.
The pope left his pallium — a wool garment that resembles a yoke, symbolizing bonds between a shepherd and his flock — on this medieval pope’s tomb. Then, 15 months later, he visited a cathedral outside Rome to pray before the relics, once again, of St. Celestine V.

February 22, 2013
Pope Benedict VXI resigning
VATICAN CITY (AP) — With a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict VXI did Monday what no pope has done in more than half a millennium, announcing his resignation and sending the already troubled Catholic Church scrambling to replace the leader of its 1 billion followers by Easter.
Not even his closest associates had advance word of the news, a bombshell that he dropped during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. With no clear favorites to succeed him, another surprise likely awaits when the cardinals elect Benedict’s successor next month.
“Without doubt this is a historic moment,” said Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, a protege and former theology student of Benedict’s who is considered a papal contender. “Right now, 1.2 billion Catholics the world over are holding their breath.”

February 12, 2013
It’s great to be involved with ‘Upwards’ basketball
By Gwen Williams/AKA MS Chocolate/Guest Columnist

I’m not a sports person, but every year I look forward to sharing with the children involved in the Upward Basketball program. First through sixth graders come together to experience their first sports encounter playing basketball. Boys and girls play together with the hope of building character and values for life. Excitement floods the gym as parents, grandparents, and aunts gather with various electronic gadgets waiting to film their children. The program is also a means of reaching parents with children who are unchurched.

February 8, 2013
The heart attack
By Steve Ellison, Interim Pastor/First Baptist Horatio, Ark.

January was a big month for me. It actually started in December and seeped over into February. I spent a few weeks helping to care for my father who was very ill, in fact near death from the combined effects of lung cancer, radiation of the brain, and chemotherapy. I officiated the funerals of a close family friend, my father, and my father’s sister.

February 8, 2013
An offering
By Kelcie Kinchen/Guest Columnist

Through life, no matter where we are, we face times that leave us with just a handful of understanding and a trunk full of confusion. Circumstances leave us standing in the road, not sure which way to turn.
It seems like everyone around you has something to offer in abundance and yet all you believe you have is not worthy of offering. In our minds, all we see is the lack but God sees the abundance around the corner of surrender.

February 1, 2013
Last call, ya’ll!
This is The final call for articles and photos for
this year’s Pearl River County Today “Progress” edition. all churches and religious organizations can email their articles and photos to…
picayuneitem@bellsouth.net.

January 25, 2013
Getting to know the enemy is vital
By Steve Ellison, Interim Pastor/First Baptist Horatio, Ark.

The past few weeks have been difficult for me. I saw enough tears to last me a lifetime (and shed a few of my own). My father has been very ill recently. I was not his primary care giver but I was heavily involved. I experienced things I never wanted to experience.

January 25, 2013
Why be included in Pearl River County Today edition?
What would you say to others about your church or regligious organization?

Do you want to increase participation in your activities, or services?
If you had a free venue you could use to present your information not only to local citizens but to visitors, would you use it?

January 18, 2013
More Religion Headlines

Religion

Search Results

Pope resigns on his terms

On Religion

Site Map

Contact Us