The Pope who became a pilgrim: Benedict’s resignation remembered

Last updated on: February 28, 2015 at 5:30 pm by CNA Daily News

The Pope who became a pilgrim: Benedict’s resignation remembered 2015-02-28T17:30:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Feb 28, 2015 / 10:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Two years after his historic resignation from the papacy, Benedict XVI's presence continues to be felt by those around him as he keeps his promise to remain in quiet and prayerful service to the Church and the world.

“We always know that Pope Emeritus Benedict is present in the Vatican, with his prayers,” said Fr. Scott Borgman, English-language official for the Pontifical Accademy for Life. This presence, he told CNA in a Feb. 10 email interview, “is a very reassuring affection which we experience often.”

At 8 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2013, Benedict XVI stepped down from the papal throne, less than three weeks after announcing his resignation to the world.

Earlier that evening, the former pontiff stood from the balcony of Castel Gandolfo's papal residence, overlooking the thousands who had filled the lake town's small main square.

"I wish still with my heart, my love, my prayer, my reflection, with all my inner strength, to work for the common good and the good of the Church and of humanity," Benedict told the crowds in off-the-cuff remarks just hours before his resignation would take effect.

Looking peaceful and happy standing a few stories above the square, Benedict XVI assured the world that, in stepping down, he would "simply be a pilgrim” who was “beginning the last part of his pilgrimage on earth."

For the next two weeks, the See of Peter remained vacant until the election of Pope Francis on March 13, 2013.

In the two years following his resignation, Benedict’s days have been filled with prayer and study, largely out of the public view. He now goes by the simple title “Father Benedict.”

Upon first hearing of Benedict XVI's impending retirement, the first of its kind in centuries, Fr. Borgman explained he was at once surprised and relieved: “Surprised because no one had seen this for 600 years,” he said, and “relieved because, finally, after years of intense labor, he would be able to rest and serve the Church in another very important way through his prayers.”

“He immediately became a kind of benevolent grandfather figure,” Fr. Borgman said. “We all have that image of the slight, humble pontiff with the piercing blue eyes and that saintly smile.”

Throughout his papacy, the Vatican official said, Benedict XVI “infused the Church with life through his humility and service,” from his support for “victims of abuse to his many journeys and diplomatic relations,” as well as his “love for the poor and respect for the deposit of the Faith.”

Over the course of his eight-year pontificate, Benedict XVI was often subjected to negative, inaccurate, and editorially selective depictions in the secular press, such as in the areas clerical sex abuse and gay marriage.

“We suffered alongside him with the misrepresentations which were so common in the popular media,” the Vatican official said.

Despite these depictions in the press, however, “history will tell how amazing his contribution has been and will continue to be for those who read his writings,” he said.

Fr. Borgman recalled his impression of having personally met Benedict XVI, twice during his pontificate, and once – accidentally – last September. “I was quite overcome by affection and gratefulness to God for the gift of this great man to the Church,” he recalled.

Benedict XVI also served as an important role model for priests, who “benefited greatly from his theology and his teaching on the lives of the Saints,” Fr. Borgman said. “He was extremely paternal for us priests and represents the Supreme Pontiff in a very clear way, but also a personal Father figure.”

“As a convert, I am always impressed by the wisdom of God in giving us an earthly Father who unites us and guides us according to what Jesus intended when he founded the Church!”

Vatican

Previous Post

February 28, 2015

Will there be an ecology department at the Roman Curia after reform?

Next Post

February 28, 2015 Pope puts family at the center of social justice

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which book contains a prophecy about locust swarms devastating the land?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Joel Hosea Micah Obadiah