What with the shocking news of Pope Benedict's resignation revealed today, one has to wonder with whom the authority of the Catholic church will fall. Upon reading the statement from the leader of the Catholic Church himself, I thought it seemed like he'd lost a degree of faith, both in his own leadership ability, (perhaps due in part to the difficult social circumstances in which he governs) but also perhaps due to the challenge of failing health, and subsequently personal faith.
Perhaps we underestimate just how difficult the Pope's "job" really is. Would you really want 1.2 billion people looking up to you, scrutinising every move, every speech, every action you take? It's like Big Brother in the context of Catholicism. The pressure of being Pope must be excruciating - the burden being that your words, the things you think and say, are going to be taken seriously by people the world round, by people of all religions and no religion. To be Pope you have to be accountable for the direction of one of the major religious institutions in the world. The Vatican have understandably been rather vague with their information until they have had a chance to put together a press statement regarding the facts behind the Pope's resignation, though speculation is generally that the Pope has resigned due to old age and health issues, notably arthritis, preventing ideal mobility.
People of all faiths and none doubt the decisions they come to face as they take various steps through life. Crushing circumstances often challenge even those of us with the strongest convictions - religious or otherwise. Certainty becomes doubt, and calmness becomes chaos in the midst of difficulty, yet we must travel on through life with the hope that we'll come through it all in the end. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger as they say and we can only hope that applies to matters of faith too. Rome wasn't built in a day and we can't expect our faith not to waiver at times. Think of the times you've been utterly disappointed when you've found out things which majorly affect the day-to-day functioning of your life. In that moment, it can seem as though the world has ended, when in fact it was probably just a new chapter you had yet to embrace. Look at things differently. I've said this before but so many people turn inwardly upon themselves as they come into contact with difficult situations. Embrace the love and support of others in your time of trouble, and I can guarantee your trials will be much less burdensome.
Think then, of someone like Pope Benedict - who is human just as you and I - and how much more pressurised he must feel when he experiences moments of inner turmoil. He can't simply run away from responsibility, as many of us do, (though perhaps some people might well accuse him of such right now), but Pope Benedict has proved to be a leader who has worked towards what he believed to be better future for the religion which he governed - a future which he believed to be right for the people he governs, whether you agree with Catholicism or not.
During Pope Benedict's state visit to London in September 2010, I was lucky enough to go and witness his service to his people in the flesh, and the faith he endowed amongst Catholics, particularly the youth, was utterly awe-inspiring. The candlelit prayer vigil in Hyde Park was one of the most moving religious events I have ever experienced, which came at a time when I wasn't feeling particularly inspired by faith. Being unified in communal worship with youngsters my own age was something so powerful, and we were led by such a wise and endorsing leader that it caused me to discover something deeper in my search for faith.
I'd like to hope that the new Pope that will be elected will make wise, thoughtful decisions during his time in one of the most authoritative positions of leadership in the world; especially in the midst of an era of unprecedented uncertainty. What I hope people will look to in the wake of Pope Benedict's decision to resign is not the skepticism or secrecy behind the decision, but rather the innovative, yet traditional methods of leadership he has provided in nearly 8 years of service to the Pontificate.
And as for the near future of Catholicism's leadership? Let's just say I'm betting on Bagnasgo or Ouellet to win the Papal title this time round, though of course faith is not a race to the finish, but a journey to endure.
Faith is a flickering light of hope in the darkness of the world's indifference.
1 comment:
Yes, a very hard job. I can do nothing but admire the Pope after his statement. He's broken a tradition which has been held for 600 years; of resigning. He is so courageous for doing that, and it must have took many months of prayer and reflection to come to that decision.
I also think that the Pope's visit to the UK was very special. I was also in Hyde Park and saw the sense of community that everyone shared there.
The Pope has done an excellent job of keeping the European Catholic Church's traditions and strength. I believe that the next Pope must also strive to complete this mission. I reckon that Angelo Scola from Milan will be elected.
Pádraig Joseph
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