The Catholic Church is built on tradition. Yet, its doctrine and practice also develop over the centuries. Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation moves the pontifical job description forward.
In theory, popes have always been able to resign, but the last time one to do so was in 1415. Since then, Catholics have increasingly looked at the Vicar of Christ as being like a divinely anointed king, whose authority lasts as long as he lives. The 1870 promulgation of the dogma of Papal Infallibility reinforced that perception.
John Paul II, Benedict’s predecessor, was not monarchical and preferred to be “the servant of the servants of God”, to cite another ancient papal title. Still, he decided to stay in office until the end, even as his health visibly deteriorated. He believed that the faithful gained more from his Christian witness of suffering than they lost from his poor performance as head of the Church.
Benedict, a distinguished theologian, has decided differently. He said that “in today’s world… both strength of mind and body are necessary” to do the job. He leaves at the end of the month, before the physically gruelling Easter services and well in advance of July’s World Youth Day - this year in Rio de Janeiro - an epic endurance test, with millions of young people and much energetic music.
The pope, Bishop of Rome, is behaving like any other responsible Catholic bishop, or any good political or corporate leader — stepping aside when feeling they can no longer fulfil the terms of the office. Benedict has undoubtedly set a precedent for his successors in the Vatican. He should also inspire reflection among other ageing leaders in the secular world. Regal status exempts Queen Elizabeth II — although she retains the capacity to decide — but ageing tycoons — think Rupert Murdoch or Warren Buffett — might follow the papal example of asking themselves whether they are still “suited to an adequate exercise” of their position.
If that reflection leads these grand men to leave their empires to younger hands, they would profit from following another part of the papal approach. When Murdoch or Buffett thinks it appropriate to “ask pardon for all my defects”, then the world really will have changed.
In theory, popes have always been able to resign, but the last time one to do so was in 1415. Since then, Catholics have increasingly looked at the Vicar of Christ as being like a divinely anointed king, whose authority lasts as long as he lives. The 1870 promulgation of the dogma of Papal Infallibility reinforced that perception.
John Paul II, Benedict’s predecessor, was not monarchical and preferred to be “the servant of the servants of God”, to cite another ancient papal title. Still, he decided to stay in office until the end, even as his health visibly deteriorated. He believed that the faithful gained more from his Christian witness of suffering than they lost from his poor performance as head of the Church.
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The pope, Bishop of Rome, is behaving like any other responsible Catholic bishop, or any good political or corporate leader — stepping aside when feeling they can no longer fulfil the terms of the office. Benedict has undoubtedly set a precedent for his successors in the Vatican. He should also inspire reflection among other ageing leaders in the secular world. Regal status exempts Queen Elizabeth II — although she retains the capacity to decide — but ageing tycoons — think Rupert Murdoch or Warren Buffett — might follow the papal example of asking themselves whether they are still “suited to an adequate exercise” of their position.
If that reflection leads these grand men to leave their empires to younger hands, they would profit from following another part of the papal approach. When Murdoch or Buffett thinks it appropriate to “ask pardon for all my defects”, then the world really will have changed.