Papal resignation

News briefs

From Light of the World, Benedict XVI’s 2010 interview with Peter Seewald

Q: Have you thought of resigning?

A: When the danger is great one must not run away. For that reason, now [2010] is certainly not the time to resign. Precisely at a time like this one must stand fast and endure the difficult situation. That is my view. One can resign at a peaceful moment or when one simply cannot go on. But one must not run away from the danger and say that someone else should do it.

Q: Is it possible then to imagine a situation in which you consider a resignation by the Pope appropriate?

A: Yes. If a Pope clearly recognizes that he is no longer physically, psychologically, and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has the right and, under some circumstances, also an obligation to resign.

Fr Federico Lombardi, SJ. "Pope Emeritus 101."

Pope Benedict XVI has given his resignation freely, in accordance with Canon 332 §2 of the Code of Canon Law.

Pope Benedict XVI will not take part in the Conclave for the election of his successor.

Pope Benedict XVI will move to the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo when his resignation shall become effective.

When renovation work on the monastery of cloistered nuns inside the Vatican is complete, the Holy Father will move there for a period of prayer and reflection.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., a canon lawyer.

At 8:00 PM Rome time on February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI will have a new identity to which we will have to become accustomed: His Holiness, Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, former Roman/Supreme Pontiff, Bishop Emeritus of Rome.

History

Pope Pontian (230–235)

Pope Marcellinus (296–308)

Pope Liberius (352–366)

Pope John XVIII as resigning office in 1009 and ending his life as a monk.

Pope Benedict IX in 1045.

Pope Gregory VI 1046

Pope Celestine V in 1294.

Pope Gregory XII (1406–1415)

Pope Benedict XVI (2013).

Canon Law

canon 332 §2 of the Code

Q & A

Has there ever been a black Pope?

African, yes. Probably not "black." Three popes from North Africa:

• St. Victor I (189-199)
• St. Melchiades (311-314)
• St. Gelasius (492-496)

Comments

"I Want My Pope Back."

Yes, the Holy Spirit protects the Church from error. However, the Holy Spirit does not protect the Church from disaster. If the last 50 years has taught us anything, it has taught us that. So yes, I worry.