The Humility Of Benedict XVl

 



The Pope And The Papacy

Today as many watched across the world. The departure of  Pope Benedict from the Vatican.  There are many emotions that run the gamete the emotions that we as Roman Catholics and people of other faiths are experiencing. Those emotions are in the realm of sadness or gladness. Both felt for many reasons. Some because of antipathy for the Church. Many more for reasons of better, more loving and  noble reasons.  Those of  the latter because of admiration for the Pontiff. Who stated that he never really wanted to be Pope. Who when elected beseeches God to aid him in his responsibilities that he considered insurmountable for himself to achieve. Noting that he had been an academic for his entire career in the church. Writing and teaching.

This is the first Pope in 600 years to resign voluntarily,  the office of the Pope and leave the Papacy.  Still appearing to be well in mind and spirit.. Most of all exhibiting a level of humility that I can ever remember taking place at any political or private level.  History as far as I am concerned has shown me only one other case that has reached this exhibited stature. That of George Washington after the Revolution.  Refusing to accept the accolades of the people in the form of ultimate power and authority over a new nation.  Instead wanting to go home to his plantation and lead a private life. Which he was not allowed to do when his country called him again into their service.  After the ratification of the Constitution, thus replacing The Articles of Confederation.  Being elected President he refused to be addressed as King or Your Highness.  Out of the norm for the times. Then limiting his Presidency to two terms although he was not required to do so.

The  factor that makes the resignation of the Pope different and more notable is. That no matter what the Pope had done or would have done. No decision he could have considered or contemplated or put into motion.  The conspiracy theorists be damned.  Would ever have put into question his ultimate authority or endangered his position as Pope. The spiritual leader of at least 1.5 billion Roman Catholics. As well as others who do not belong to the Church but realize the power of the papacy and it's influence around the world in every way.  It's charities and ministries helping  the poor and isolated all over the world.  More than any nation or group of nations. They have been doing that for 2000 years. Supplying the world with hope and preaching love and humility. The very goals and preachings, Pope Benedict XVI ,  has shown by his resignation, he truly lived by. 

As I watched the doors of the Castille Gondolfo close after the Swiss Guard relinquished it's duties and responsibilities to the Vatican Police.  I thought of the how reverent it was in it's simplicity.  It took place at 8:01 PM Italian time. The pomp and ceremony that we know the Roman Catholic Church to be associated with, not apparent.  Yet it existed even in it's obvious absence. Codifying the true nature and character of the man who is now Pope Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Church.