Like many around the world, I was shocked this morning to hear the news of Benedict’s abdication, but as I thought about it, I was only confirmed in my view of him as a holy, honorable, compassionate shepherd.
After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.
I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.
However, 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 recognise my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.
There will be the inevitable comparisons to his predecessor John Paul II who remained in the Chair of Peter until his last breath. There is no point in comparing the two men, for they are but men. John Paul II wished to unite his own personal suffering to that of Christ’s in a very public, and for his flock, edifying way. Benedict, no doubt aware of the great challenges to the Christian Church in our post-modern age, sees the need for stronger shoulders to carry the weight.
On his coat of arms is a bear with a pack on his back. This refers to the legend of St. Corbinian, the first bishop of Freising, who on his way to Rome was attacked by a bear which killed his horse. St. Corbinian scolded the bear, tamed, it and put his belongings on the bear’s back to carry in the horse’s stead. Benedict sees himself as a bear tamed by God and pressed into His service. The bear is old and tired, unable to carry the very heavy burden, and wise enough to lay it down gently rather than drop and break it.
God bless you Holy Father! Thank your for your long and faithful service to the Church. May your retirement in seclusion and prayer bring you to a peaceful end, and a joyous meeting with your Merciful Lord!
