Kevin Coriolan | Opinion Co-Editor
Pope Benedict the XVI renounced his position last week in a move worthy of acceptance and applause. Not only did Benedict XVI make the correct decision by putting the sake of the Church above his reputation, but he gave a perfectly good example of the Pope as human. There should be no thought that his stepping down is indicative of weakness within the Catholic Church no matter how taboo the decision is seen as.
Some compare it to a monarchy, while others call it the seat of the “Holy Father.” Regardless of opinions, the papacy remains one of the most influential positions on Earth. Kings have been humbled, wars have been started and ended (i.e. The Crusades), and Catholic practices have been altered as shown in the new wording of mass that began in December 2011. Certainly these precedents, not even including the duty to lead more than a billion people for an unlimited number of years, are enough to stress a guy out.
Formerly Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, Benedict XVI took up this responsibility after the death of John Paul II (who is already on his way to sainthood), and the world waited to see how the new German Pontiff would fill the shiny, red shoes left behind. Many cited Benedict XVI’s obstacles during his papacy as the sex scandals within the Church and the growth of secularism in Europe and the United States. He also struggled in the age of social media. After all these unsolved complications, however, Benedict XVI stands out as a star to me.
A quiet scholar, Benedict XVI dealt with issues in a genuine matter. He encouraged Catholics to understand different faiths in respect to Judaism and Islam. He invigorated young people to serve others as Christ did. He advocated for the sacredness of life universally. His love for others was great and worldwide.
A personal testimony I have of Benedict XVI’s term comes from World Youth Day 2011. The Pope spoke to thousands congregated on an airplane tarmac in Spain about the power and responsibility of the youth in the world. During the evening prayer, an unexpected storm blew in kicking dust up in swirls before spitting rain in all different directions. All the while, the Pontiff sat on the stage riding out the storm with his white hairs dancing upon his head. The storm slowly calmed after thirty minutes bringing chants of “Ben-a-dict-o!” from the international crowd. I witnessed the devoted reverence he had while he continued the outdoor sermon to his people.
As a Catholic, I believe the leader of the Catholic Church should not only be spiritually strong but physically strong, too, as he does live in a physical world for the time being. Thus, it is logical for Pope Benedict XVI to step down as advanced age is toiling on him and the Church. His piety has been tested, and I believe he has passed. If the stress of a leader can be shown by how fast their face ages, I encourage you to compare President Obama before his presidency and him now.
Pope Benedict XVI’s renouncement of the papacy is not a sign of weakness. It is instead a sign of a strong man humbling himself to strengthen the Church with a new Pontiff and possibly a slightly new thinking of the Holy Father.
Graphic by Krystal Schulte
