Pope Benedict XVI Supreme Pontiff April 19, 2005 - February 28, 2013 - BENEDICT XVI
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March 2013
BENEDICT XVI 1
Pope Benedict XVI
Supreme Pontiff
April 19, 2005 – February 28, 2013
2
BENEDICT XVI C ATHOLIC S PIRIT
Benedict XVI Resignation Declaration
Feb. 11, 2013
Dear Brothers,
I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of
great importance for the life of the Church. 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 barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gos-
pel, 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 recognize my incapacity to adequately fulll the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and
well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Succes-
sor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at
20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will
have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.
Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I
ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus
Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in elect-
ing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future
through a life dedicated to prayer.
Benedict XVI
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Queridísimos hermanos,
Os he convocado a este Consistorio, no sólo para las tres causas de canonización, sino también para comunicaros una
decisión de gran importancia para la vida de la Iglesia. Después de haber examinado ante Dios reiteradamente mi
conciencia, he llegado a la certeza de que, por la edad avanzada, ya no tengo fuerzas para ejercer adecuadamente
el ministerio petrino. Soy muy consciente de que este ministerio, por su naturaleza espiritual, debe ser llevado a cabo no
únicamente con obras y palabras, sino también y en no menor grado sufriendo y rezando. Sin embargo, en el mundo de
hoy, sujeto a rápidas transformaciones y sacudido por cuestiones de gran relieve para la vida de la fe, para gobernar
la barca de san Pedro y anunciar el Evangelio, es necesario también el vigor tanto del cuerpo como del espíritu, vigor
que, en los últimos meses, ha disminuido en mí de tal forma que he de reconocer mi incapacidad para ejercer bien el
ministerio que me fue encomendado. Por esto, siendo muy consciente de la seriedad de este acto, con plena libertad,
declaro que renuncio al ministerio de Obispo de Roma, Sucesor de San Pedro, que me fue conado por medio de los
Cardenales el 19 de abril de 2005, de forma que, desde el 28 de febrero de 2013, a las 20.00 horas, la sede de
Roma, la sede de San Pedro, quedará vacante y deberá ser convocado, por medio de quien tiene competencias, el cón-
clave para la elección del nuevo Sumo Pontíce.
Queridísimos hermanos, os doy las gracias de corazón por todo el amor y el trabajo con que habéis llevado junto a mí
el peso de mi ministerio, y pido perdón por todos mis defectos. Ahora, conamos la Iglesia al cuidado de su Sumo Pastor,
Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, y suplicamos a María, su Santa Madre, que asista con su materna bondad a los Padres Carde-
nales al elegir el nuevo Sumo Pontíce. Por lo que a mi respecta, también en el futuro, quisiera servir de todo corazón a
la Santa Iglesia de Dios con una vida dedicada a la plegaria.
Benedict XVI
March 2013
BENEDICT XVI 3
Pope Benedict’s ponticate marked by
teaching, call to return to faith
long and indirect.
BY JOHN THAVIS AND FRANCIS X. ROCCA Joseph Ratzinger was born April 16,
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE 1927, in the Bavarian town of Marktl
am Inn, the third and youngest child
During his almost eight-year ponticate, Pope of a police ofcer, Joseph Sr., and his
Benedict XVI impressed the world as a teacher, guid- wife, Maria. Young Joseph joined his
ing Catholics to the sources of the faith and urging brother, Georg, at a minor seminary in
modern society not to turn its back on God. 1939.
Citing his age and diminishing energy, the Like other young students, he was
85-year-old pope resigned effective Feb. 28 and now automatically enrolled in the Hitler
will devote the rest of his life to prayer. Youth program, but soon stopped
As pastor of the universal church, he used virtu- going to meetings. During World War
ally every medium at his disposal –– books and II, he was conscripted into the army,
Twitter, sermons and encyclicals –– to catechize the and in the spring of 1945 he deserted
faithful on the foundational beliefs and practices of his unit and returned home, spending
Christianity, ranging from the sermons of St. Augus- a few months in an Allied prisoner-of-
tine to the sign of the cross. war camp. He returned to the seminary
Having served in his 30s as an inuential adviser late in 1945 and was ordained six years
during the 1962-65 Second Vatican Council, he made later, along with his brother.
it a priority as pope to correct what he saw as overly In a meeting with young people
expansive interpretations of Vatican II in favor of in 2006, the pope said witnessing the
readings that stressed the council’s continuity with brutality of the Nazi regime helped
the church’s millennial traditions. convince him to become a priest. But
Under his oversight, the Vatican continued to he also had to overcome some doubts,
highlight the church’s moral boundaries on issues he said. For one thing, he asked himself
such as end-of-life medical care, marriage and homo- whether he “could faithfully live celi-
sexuality. But the pope’s message to society at large bacy” his entire life. He also recognized
focused less on single issues and more on the risk of that his real leanings were toward theol-
losing the basic relationship between the human be- ogy and wondered whether he had the
ing and the Creator. qualities of a good pastor and the ability
The German-born pontiff did not try to match “to be simple with the simple people.”
the popularity of his predecessor, Pope John Paul After a short stint as a parish priest,
II, but the millions of people who came to see him the future pope began a teaching career
in Rome and abroad came to appreciate his smile, and built a reputation as one of the
his frequent ad libs and his ability to speak from the church’s foremost theologians. At Vati-
heart. can II, he made important contributions POPE BENEDICT XVI began his papacy on April 19, 2005,
Although he did not expect to travel much, he as a theological expert and embraced at the age of 78. (CNS photo from L’Osservatore Romano)
ended up making 24 trips to six continents and three the council’s early work. But he began
times presided over World Youth Day mega-gather- to have misgivings about an emerging years as the Vatican’s chief doctrinal ofcial, Pope
ings, in Germany in 2005, in Australia in 2008, and in anti-Roman bias, the idea of a “church from below” Benedict emphasized that Christianity was a religion
Spain in 2011. run on a parliamentary model, and the direction of of love and not a religion of rules.
Talking about aging last March when he met the theological research in the church –– criticism that During the 2010-11 Year for Priests, Pope Benedict
85-year-old Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Havana, would become even sharper in later years. held up the 19th-century French St. John Vianney as
Pope Benedict told him, “Yes, I’m old, but I can still In a 2005 speech that served as a kind of mani- a model of clerical holiness who struggled against the
carry out my duties.” festo for his young papacy, Pope Benedict rejected indifference and hostility of a militantly secular society.
On a historic visit to the U.S. in 2008, the pope what he called a “hermeneutic of discontinuity and He convened a Synod of Bishops on Scripture
brought his own identity into clearer focus for rupture” in interpreting Vatican II as a radical break in 2008, in an effort to move the Bible back to the
Americans. He set forth a moral challenge on issues with the past. The pope called instead for reading center of individual spirituality and pastoral planning.
ranging from economic justice to abortion. He also the council through a “hermeneutic of reform” in He opened a Year of Faith in October presided over a
took church recognition of the priestly sex abuse continuity with Catholic tradition. synod focusing on the new evangelization and a revival
scandal to a new level, expressing his personal shame In 1977, Pope Paul VI named him archbishop of of Christian faith in the secular West, one of the priori-
at what happened and praying with the victims. Munich and Freising, and four years later Pope John ties of his ponticate.
The pope met three times with former U.S. Paul called him to head the Congregation for the Doc- Some of Pope Benedict’s most memorable state-
President George W. Bush, including a formal visit trine of the Faith, where he wielded great inuence on ments came when he applied simple Gospel values to
to the White House. When President Barack Obama issues such as liberation theology, dissent from church social issues such as the protection of human life, the
was elected, the pontiff sent him a warmly worded teachings and pressure for women’s ordination. Serv- environment and economics.
telegram and a promise of his prayers, but when they ing in this role for nearly a quarter century, then-Cardi- When the global nancial crisis worsened in 2008,
met at the Vatican the next year, the pope spoke nal Ratzinger earned a reputation in some quarters as a for example, the pope insisted that nancial institu-
clearly about the church’s objections to the admin- sort of grand inquisitor, seeking to stamp out inde- tions must put people before prots. He also remind-
istration’s policies on issues such as abortion and pendent thinking, an image belied by his passion for ed people that modern ideals of money and material
embryonic stem cell research. debate with thinkers inside and outside the church. success are passing realities, saying: “Whoever builds
his life on these things –– on material things, on suc-
The path to papacy The Papacy cess, on appearances –– is building on sand.”
Pope Benedict was 78 and in apparent good As the newly elected pope in 2005, he explained Pope Benedict’s outreach to traditionalist Catho-
health when elected April 19, 2005, but was said to that he took the name Benedict to evoke the memory lics brought him some opposition and criticism. In
have told his fellow cardinals that his would not be a of Pope Benedict XV, a “courageous prophet of 2007, he widened the possible use of the Tridentine
long papacy like that of his predecessor. In an inter- peace” during World War I, and said he wanted to Mass and began introducing touches of antiquity in
view with the German author Peter Seewald in 2010, place his ministry at the service of reconciliation and his own liturgies, including the requirement of kneel-
Pope Benedict said: “If a pope clearly realizes that he harmony among peoples. ing when receiving Communion from the pope.
is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually The new pope spent most of his energy writing Then in 2009, in an effort to reconcile with the
capable of handling the duties of his ofce, then he and preaching, in encyclicals, letters, messages, homi- traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, he lifted the ex-
has a right and, under some circumstances, also an lies and talks that eventually numbered more than a communications of four of the society’s bishops who
obligation to resign.” thousand. were ordained illicitly in 1988.
As inevitable as his election seemed after Blessed Surprising those who had expected a by-the-book
John Paul died in 2005, his path to the papacy was ponticate from a man who had spent more than 23 Continued on next page
4
BENEDICT XVI C ATHOLIC S PIRIT
emperor who said the prophet Mohammed had Two years later, his second encyclical, “Spe
brought “things only evil and inhuman, such as Salvi” (on Christian hope), warned that without
his command to spread by the sword the faith he faith in God, humanity lies at the mercy of ideolo-
preached.” Following protests in the Islamic world, gies that can lead to “the greatest forms of cruelty
which included the burning of churches in the Pales- and violations of justice.”
tinian territories and the murder of a nun in Somalia, His third encyclical, “Caritas in Veritate”
the pope said he was sorry his words had offended (“Charity in Truth”) was released in 2009 and said
Muslims and distanced himself from the text he had ethical values are needed to overcome the current
quoted. global economic crisis as well as to eradicate hun-
Later that year, visiting a mosque in Turkey, he ger and promote the real development of all the
turned toward Mecca and prayed silently alongside world’s peoples.
his host. This interfaith gesture generated consider- Several months ago, the Vatican said Pope
able good will, and over the succeeding years, Pope Benedict had completed work on another encycli-
Benedict continued to meet with Muslim leaders. cal, this one on the virtue of faith, and its publi-
Yet some Muslims continued to view the pope with cation was expected in the rst half of this year.
suspicion or hostility, such as the prominent cleric The Vatican has not said whether or not the letter
who reiterated complaints about the Regensburg would come out before the pope’s resignation
speech in the run-up to the pope’s trip to Lebanon in takes effect Feb. 28.
September. His three-volume work, “Jesus of Nazareth,”
Pope Benedict also visited synagogues, in Ger- published between 2007 and 2012 in several
many in 2005, in New York in 2008 and in Rome in languages, emphasized that Christ must be under-
2010, and his strong condemnations of anti-Semitism stood as the Son of God on a divine mission, not
won the appreciation of many Jewish leaders. How- as a mere moralist or social reformer. The books
ever, tensions arose in 2008 over the wording of a argued that while Christ did not bring a blueprint
prayer for Jewish conversion, which the pope had for social progress, he did bring a new vision based
revised for use in the Tridentine-rite Good Friday on love that challenges the evils of today’s world
liturgy. –– from the brutality of totalitarian regimes to the
The pope considered Christian unity one of his “cruelty of capitalism.”
POPE BENEDICT XVI looks on after deliver- priorities, and he took steps to improve dialogue with In a few areas, Pope Benedict asked church
ing his Christmas message from the central Orthodox churches in particular. The most visible experts to engage in careful study and reection:
balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican sign was the pope’s decision to accept the invitation –– He asked Vatican agencies to consider the
on Dec. 25, 2012. (CNS photo by Paul Haring) of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constan- moral and scientic aspects of condom use in
tinople to visit the patriarch at his headquarters in AIDS prevention, after some theologians argued
A storm of criticism erupted because one of Istanbul, Turkey, in 2006. Two years later, the pope that condoms were acceptable for married couples
the four, Bishop Richard Williamson, had made a invited the patriarch to give a major address at the in which one spouse is infected with HIV. At the
number of statements –– widely available on the Synod of Bishops. The Vatican also arranged the same time, his own statement in 2009 that con-
Internet, but unknown to the pope –– denying the resumption of theological talks with the Orthodox in dom-distribution campaigns aggravate the problem
extent of the Holocaust. The Vatican scrambled to mid-2006 and began new forms of cultural collabora- of AIDS prompted widespread criticism.
distance Pope Benedict from the bishop’s views and tion with the Russian Orthodox Church. In his 2010 interview for the book “Light of
reafrm the pontiff’s commitment to Catholic-Jewish The fate of Christian minorities around the world the World,” Seewald asked Pope Benedict about
dialogue. was one of the pope’s major concerns, especially in the use of condoms in AIDS prevention and the
The pope himself wrote an unusually personal places like Iraq and other predominantly Muslim pope’s answer made headlines around the world.
letter to the world’s bishops, defending his efforts countries. The pope strongly defended the right to While continuing to insist that condoms were not
to restore church unity by reaching out to tradition- religious freedom in his speech to the United Nations the answer to the AIDS pandemic, he allowed
alists and expressing sadness that even some Catho- in 2008. that in particular circumstances –– for example, a
lics seemed ready to attack him “with open hostility.” In early 2007, the pope turned his attention to prostitute seeking to reduce the risk of infection
At the same time, he clearly acknowledged mis- China, convening a meeting of church experts to –– using a condom might represent a step toward
takes in Vatican communications and said the Holy discuss ways to bring unity to the church and gain moral awareness.
See would have to do a better job using the Internet concessions from the communist government. A –– He convened scientic and theological
in the future. Instead, the mishaps continued, and for papal letter to Chinese Catholics a few months scholars for private discussions about the theory
most of the year preceding Pope Benedict’s resigna- later encouraged bold new steps to bridge the gap of evolution. In his own remarks on the subject,
tion, press coverage of the Vatican was dominated between Catholics registered with the government- he emphasized that the acceptance of evolutionary
by the so-called “VatiLeaks” affair, a scandal over controlled Catholic Patriotic Association and the so- theory should not mean the exclusion of a funda-
condential and sometimes embarrassing conden- called underground communities, whose leaders were mental divine purpose in creation.
tial documents that had been provided to the press, frequently harassed or imprisoned by the authorities. One of the pope’s most notable actions came
allegedly by the pope’s own butler, Paolo Gabriele. The pope’s letter also issued a broad invitation in May 2006, when he approved a decision saying
A Vatican court found Gabriele guilty in Octo- to government authorities for dialogue on the ap- that Father Marcial Maciel Degollado, the founder
ber and sentenced him to 18 months in jail. Pope pointment of bishops and other topics. A number of of the Legionaries of Christ, should not exercise
Benedict, meeting his former aide outside his cell in bishops were subsequently ordained with both papal his priestly ministry publicly. Father Maciel, who
the Vatican police barracks, pardoned him just before and government approval, before the government enjoyed favor for many years at the Vatican, had
Christmas. returned to the practice of choosing bishops without been accused of sexually abusing minors. In 2009
The pope’s 2009 letter to bishops also summa- the Vatican’s approval. the pope approved an apostolic visitation of the
rized what he saw as his main mission as the succes- One of the most important documents issued late priest’s order.
sor of Peter: “In our days, when in vast areas of the under Pope Benedict, and with his explicit approval, Although he was expected to reverse a trend
world the faith is in danger of dying out like a ame was a doctrinal congregation instruction on bioethics set by Pope John Paul, Pope Benedict did not slow
which no longer has fuel, the overriding priority is in 2008. The document warned that some devel- the Vatican’s saint-making machinery, but he did
to make God present in this world and to show men opments in stem-cell research, gene therapy and immediately announce he would not preside over
and women the way to God.” embryonic experimentation violate moral principles beatications. The pope’s decision was meant to
The idea that God is disappearing from the hu- and reect an attempt by man to “take the place of highlight the difference between a beatication
man horizon and that humanity is losing its bear- his Creator.” and a canonization, but, in effect, the pope’s deci-
ings with “evident destructive effects” was a theme The pope’s own writings frequently explored the sion lowered the prole of beatication liturgies.
Pope Benedict saw as common ground for dialogue relationship between personal faith in Christ and Pope Benedict did make two exceptions to his
between Christians and Muslims. He voiced the social consequences. new rule: the rst to beatify Cardinal John Henry
church’s opposition to a potential “clash of civili- Newman during a September 2010 visit to Eng-
zations” in which religion was seen as a dening His legacy of writings, saints land; and the second to beatify Pope John Paul in
difference. But sometimes his words drew as much His rst encyclical, “Deus Caritas Est” (“God May 2011.
criticism as praise, particularly among Muslims who Is Love,”), issued in 2005, reminded all people While Pope Benedict asked Vatican experts to
felt the pope was unfairly questioning the founda- that God loves them and called on them to share be more selective in picking candidates for saint-
tions of their religion. that love in a personal and social way. It won high hood, he ended up canonizing 44 new saints,
In a lecture at Germany’s University of Regens- praise, even from quarters typically critical of the including the Native American Kateri Tekakwitha
burg in 2006, the pope quoted a Christian medieval church. and Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai.
March 2013
BENEDICT XVI 5
Bishop Vásquez reects on Pope Benedict XVI
Editor: Bishop were you as surprised as most
of the rest of us were to hear that Pope Benedict BISHOP JOE
XVI was resigning?
VÁSQUEZ and sev-
Bishop Vásquez: Indeed, I was stunned. The
resignation of Benedict XVI is historic; it is some- eral other bishops
thing that has not been done in the papacy in several from Texas met with
hundreds of years. I certainly did not anticipate that Pope Benedict XVI on
he was going to retire, so the news that came on Feb. March 15, 2012. Bishop
11 came as quite a shock.
Vásquez says Benedict
At the same time, I have to say that this is a
courageous move on the Holy Father’s part. He is XVI will be remembered
almost 86 years old and has come to realize that his as a “brilliant scholar and
health no longer allows him to carry out his duties theologian” and a “man
as the successor of Peter and the chief shepherd of of profound faith.” (Photo
the Catholic Church. He is a holy man and I am sure
from L’Osservatore
he has thought about and prayed about this decision
a great deal, and he has concluded that his resigna- Romano)
tion is for the good of the church. He has done this
simply out of what is best for the people of God and
for all the church. tunity to express the Diocese of Austin’s love and that he would never abandon the church and that he
Besides courage, the Holy Father has demonstrat- support for him. He was cordial, amicable and very would be with us until the end of time. Therefore, we
ed a great deal of humility to know and understand much engaged. He listened intently to everyone who have condence and trust that the Holy Spirit, who
his limitations. Anyone who has met Benedict XVI greeted him. At the time, I remember thinking to my- energizes the entire church, will once again guide the
comes away impressed by his humility. Our Holy self for a man of his age he is doing extremely well. cardinals to choose a successor to Peter.
Father has been a shepherd who is very much aware Undoubtedly, it takes a lot of energy and stamina to Editor: Personally, what are your fondest
of the needs of the times in our world. Particularly he minister and shepherd more than a billion Catholics memories of Pope Benedict XVI?
has expressed his concerns about a growing secular- in all corners of the world. Bishop Vásquez: Nearly three years ago, Pope
ism that wishes to exclude God from our society. Editor: So after Feb. 28, he will lead a life of Benedict named me to be the fth bishop of this
This is why he called for the Year of Faith as a way prayer, correct? diocese, which has been a great blessing to me. I am
for all Catholics to renew and deepen their love Bishop Vásquez: My understanding is that as of grateful to serve in this local church, which is grow-
of Christ and his church. This is also why he has Feb. 28, he left the See of Peter and distanced himself ing and vibrant!
strongly promoted the new evangelization, which has from Rome. He is now at the papal summer residence I am quite fond of the Holy Father and the
led him to embrace the latest technology and social at Castel Gondolfo, where he is no doubt praying times I have met him and been with him have been
media in order to communicate the message of the for the church, and especially for the cardinals in the wonderful opportunities for me to see a very humble
Gospel. conclave who will be electing the new pope. man who obviously has great responsibility. Yet he
Editor: At the end of 2012, you visited Rome Though he will be physically apart from the also has great compassion and love for those whom
for a meeting and met with the Holy Father. conclave, he will denitely be there in spirit and in he shepherds. He has expended himself and given
What was his health like then? communion with them as he prays that God will of himself completely to the church. I see him as a
Bishop Vásquez: In December, I was in Rome choose the right man to lead our church. And with father in many ways, as well as a brilliant scholar and
and saw him a couple of times. During a Wednesday the guidance of the Holy Spirit a new pope will be theologian; and above all, he is a man of profound
papal audience, I greeted him and had the oppor- elected soon. Christ himself made a commitment faith.
In hindsight, maybe resignation is not so surpising
math of Pope Benedict’s announcement there was ing of Second Vatican Council, last October. If his
BY FRANCIS X. ROCCA predictable speculation that he might be stepping papacy has had a single unifying project, it has been
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE down under pressure of some grave problem in the his effort to correct interpretations of Vatican II as a
church, perhaps one yet to be revealed. radical break with the past, in favor of readings that
As much as he astonished the world when he But if Pope Benedict declined to resign at the stress the continuity of the council’s teachings with
announced his resignation Feb. 11, Pope Benedict height of the controversy over clerical sex abuse the church’s millennial traditions.
XVI’s decision seems almost predictable in hindsight. in late winter and early spring of 2010, when some Now, Pope Benedict has made his own dramatic
Given his previous statements on the subject and accused him of personally mishandling cases of pe- innovation in church tradition. Of the several men,
his recent signs of aging, one might say that people dophile priests in Germany and the U.S., it is hard to perhaps as many as 10, who have resigned the papacy
should have seen it coming. imagine what sort of crisis he might deem disturbing in the history of the ofce, only one other did so
The real mystery now is not why Pope Benedict enough to resign over now. freely: Pope Celestine V, in 1294. Given how much
chose to step down, it is how this almost-unprece- As he told Seewald later that same year: “When the papacy and the world have changed in the seven
dented action will affect the papacy and the church. the danger is great one must not run away. For centuries since, there is practically no precedent for
In 2010, Pope Benedict told the German journal- that reason, now is certainly not the time to resign. Pope Benedict’s new role.
ist Peter Seewald that “if a pope clearly realizes that Precisely at a time like this one must stand fast and Father Lombardi told reporters that Pope
he is no longer physically, psychologically, and spiri- endure the difcult situation. That is my view. One Benedict will retire to a monastery inside the walls
tually capable of handling the duties of ofce, then can resign at a peaceful moment or when one simply of Vatican City, where he will dedicate himself to
he has a right and, under some circumstances, also an cannot go on. But one must not run away from dan- study and prayer. The Vatican spokesman said he
obligation to resign.” ger and say that someone else should do it.” expected the former professor and prolic author
The signs of fatigue and difculty walking that Pope Benedict may have judged the eve of Lent to continue writing and communicating with the
have struck most papal observers in recent months a particularly good moment to announce his resigna- outside world. Asked whether the presence of a
led him to conclude, as he told an assembly of cardi- tion since, as the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father living former pope would present any danger of
nals two days before Ash Wednesday, that “strength Federico Lombardi, told reporters at a brieng division within the church, Father Lombardi replied
of mind and body ... has deteriorated in me to the shortly afterward, the timing practically ensures that that it would be entirely out of character for Pope
extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to the church will have a new pope by Easter. Benedict to say or do anything that might under-
adequately fulll the ministry entrusted to me.” It is probably no coincidence, and certainly t- mine his successor.
Many people today associate unexpected resigna- ting, that Pope Benedict waited to resign until after Francis X. Rocca is an American writer in
tions with scandal or crisis. In the immediate after- he had observed the 50th anniversary of the open- Rome, Italy. He writes for Catholic News Service.6
BENEDICT XVI C ATHOLIC S PIRIT
El Obispo Vásquez reexiona sobre el Papa Benedicto XVI
Editora: Señor Obispo estuvo tan sorpren-
dido como la mayoría de nosotros estuvimos
EL SR. OBISPO JOE
de saber que el Papa Benedicto XVI ha renun-
ciado? VÁSQUEZ y varios
Obispo Vásquez: De hecho, me quedé atónito. otros obispos de Texas
La renuncia de Benedicto XVI es histórica, es algo se reunieron con el
que no se ha hecho en el papado en varios cientos de Papa Benedicto XVI el
años. Desde luego, no esperaba que fuera a retirarse,
15 de marzo de 2012.
por lo que la noticia que salió el 11 de febrero fue
toda una sorpresa. El Obispo Vásquez
Al mismo tiempo, tengo que decir que este es un dice que Benedicto XVI
paso valiente por parte del Santo Padre. Él tiene casi será recordado como
86 años y ha llegado a darse cuenta de que su salud un “brillante erudito y
no le permite llevar a cabo sus funciones como el
teólogo” y un “hombre
sucesor de Pedro y el pastor principal de la Iglesia
Católica. Él es un hombre santo y estoy seguro de de profunda fe”. (Foto de
que ha pensado y orado mucho sobre esta decisión L’Osservatore Romano)
y ha concluido que su renuncia es por el bien de la
Iglesia. Lo ha hecho simplemente buscando lo que es
mejor para el pueblo de Dios y para toda la Iglesia.
Además de valor, el Santo Padre ha demostrado de expresarle el amor de la Diócesis de Austin y su Cristo mismo se comprometió a que nunca aban-
una gran humildad para conocer y entender sus apoyo para él. Fue cordial, amigable y muy atento. donaría a la iglesia y que él estaría con nosotros hasta el
limitaciones. Cualquier persona que haya conocido Escuchó atentamente a todos los que lo recibieron. n del mundo. Por lo tanto, tenemos la conanza de
a Benedicto XVI ha quedado impresionada por su En ese momento, recuerdo que pensé para mí mismo que el Espíritu Santo, que da energía a toda la iglesia,
humildad. Nuestro Santo Padre ha sido un pastor que para un hombre de su edad, lo estaba haciendo guiará a los cardenales para elegir al sucesor de Pedro.
muy consciente de las necesidades de los tiempos en muy bien. No cabe duda de que se necesita una gran Editora: En lo personal, ¿cuáles son sus me-
nuestro mundo. En particular, ha expresado su preo- cantidad de energía y resistencia para servir y pasto- jores recuerdos del Papa Benedicto XVI?
cupación por un creciente secularismo que quiere rear más de mil millones de católicos en todos los Obispo Vásquez: Hace casi tres años, el Papa
excluir a Dios de nuestra sociedad. Por ello, hizo un rincones del mundo. Benedicto XVI me nombró para ser el quinto obispo
llamado para el Año de la fe como una manera para Editora: Así que a partir del 28 de febrero de la diócesis, lo que ha sido una gran bendición para
todos los católicos de renovar y profundizar su amor llevará una vida de oración ¿correcto? mí. ¡Agradezco el servir en esta Iglesia local, que es
por Cristo y su Iglesia. Esta es también la razón que Obispo Vásquez: Tengo entendido que a partir creciente y vibrante!
ha impulsado fuertemente la Nueva Evangelización, del 28 de febrero, dejara la Sede de Pedro y se distan- Estoy muy encariñado con el Santo Padre y
que le ha llevado a adoptar la última tecnología y me- ciará de Roma. Ahora está en la residencia ponticia las veces que lo he conocido y estado con él han
dios de comunicación social con el n de comunicar de Castel Gondolfo, en donde no cabe duda que está sido oportunidades maravillosas para mí de ver un
el mensaje del Evangelio. en oración por la Iglesia, y en especial por los carde- hombre muy humilde, que obviamente tiene una
Editora: A nales de 2012, cuando visitó nales en el cónclave que elegirá al nuevo Papa. gran responsabilidad. Sin embargo, también tiene una
Roma y se reunió con el Santo Padre, ¿cuál era A pesar de que será físicamente apartado del gran compasión y amor por los que él pastorea. Él se
su estado de salud entonces? cónclave, denitivamente estará allí en espíritu y en ha gastado y dado de lleno a la Iglesia. Lo veo como
Obispo Vásquez: En diciembre, estuve en comunión con ellos, orando para que Dios escoja el un padre de muchas maneras, así como un brillante
Roma y lo vi un par de veces. Durante una audiencia hombre adecuado para dirigir la iglesia. Y con la guía erudito y teólogo, y por encima de todo, él es un
del miércoles papal, lo saludé y tuve la oportunidad del Espíritu Santo, un nuevo Papa será elegido pronto. hombre de fe profunda.
En retrospección, renuncia del papa Benedicto parece casi predecible
predecible de que él podría estar dejando su puesto para renunciar hasta después de haber observado en
POR FRANCIS X. ROCCA bajo presión de algún problema serio en la iglesia, octubre pasado el 50mo aniversario de la apertura del
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE quizás uno que todavía esté por ser revelado. Segundo Concilio Vaticano II. Si su papado ha tenido
Pero si el papa Benedicto declinó renunciar un solo proyecto unicador, este ha sido su esfuerzo
Por más que él asombrara al mundo cuando durante el apogeo de la controversia sobre el abuso por corregir las interpretaciones del Segundo Concilio
anunció su renuncia el 11 de febrero, en retrospección sexual clerical a nales del invierno y principios de la Vaticano como una ruptura radical con el pasado a
la decisión del papa Benedicto XVI parece casi pre- primavera del 2010, cuando algunos lo acusaron a él favor de lecturas que enfatizan la continuidad de las
decible. Dadas sus declaraciones previas sobre el tema personalmente de mal manejo de casos de sacerdotes enseñanzas del concilio con las tradiciones milenarias
y sus recientes señales de envejecimiento, uno podría pederastas en Alemania y Estados Unidos, es difícil de la iglesia.
decir que la gente debió verlo venir. imaginar qué tipo de crisis él podría considerar lo su- Ahora el papa Benedicto ha hecho su propia
El verdadero misterio ahora no es por qué el papa cientemente perturbadora como para renunciar ahora. innovación dramática en la tradición eclesiástica.
Benedicto escogió dejar el puesto, sino cómo esta ac- Como le dijo a Seewald más tarde ese mismo año: De los varios hombres, tal vez tantos como 10, que
ción casi sin precedentes afectará el papado y la iglesia. “Cuando el peligro es grande uno no puede huir. Por han renunciado al papado en la historia del puesto,
En el 2010 el Papa Benedicto le dijo al periodista esa razón, ahora ciertamente no es el momento para solamente uno lo hizo libremente: el papa Celestino
alemán Peter Seewald que “si un papa se da cuenta renunciar. Precisamente en un momento como este V en 1294. Dado cuánto el papado y el mundo han
claramente que él ya no está capacitado física, psi- uno tiene que mantenerse rme y soportar la situación cambiado durante los siete siglos desde entonces,
cológica ni espiritualmente para manejar los deberes de difícil. Esa es mi opinión. Uno puede renunciar en un prácticamente no hay precedente para el nuevo rol del
su puesto, entonces él tiene el derecho y, bajo ciertas momento pacíco o cuando cuando uno simplemente papa Benedicto.
circunstancias, también una obligación de renunciar”. no pueda continuar. Pero uno no puede huir del peli- Padre Lombardi dijo ante los reporteros que el
Las señales de agotamiento y dicultad para cami- gro y decir que otra persona debería hacerlo”. papa Benedicto se retirará a un monasterio dentro de
nar que han impactado a la mayoría de observadores Puede ser que el papa Benedicto haya juzgado la los muros de Ciudad del Vaticano, donde se dedicará
papales durante meses recientes lo llevaron a concluir, víspera de la Cuaresma como un momento particular- al estudio y la oración. El portavoz del Vaticano dijo
como dijo ante una asamblea de cardenales dos días mente bueno para anunciar su renuncia, ya que, como que esperaba que el exprofesor y prolíco autor con-
antes del Miércoles de Ceniza, que “la fortaleza de dijo el portavoz del Vaticano, el padre jesuita Federico tinuara escribiendo y comunicándose con el mundo
mente y cuerpo ... se ha deteriorado en mí hasta el Lombardi, ante reporteros en una sesión informativa exterior. Al preguntársele si la presencia de un expapa
punto que tuve que reconocer mi incapacidad para poco después, el momento escogido prácticamente viviente presentaría algún peligro de división dentro
cumplir adecuadamente el ministerio conado a mí”. asegura que la iglesia tendrá un nuevo papa antes de la de la iglesia, padre Lombardi dijo que estaría total-
Muchas personas hoy día asocian las renuncias in- Pascua. mente fuera del carácter del papa Benedicto decir o
esperadas con escándalos o crisis. En la estela inmedi- Es probable que no sea coincidencia, y cierta- hacer cualquier cosa que pudiera menoscabar a su
ata del anuncio del papa Benedicto hubo especulación mente apropiado, que el papa Benedicto esperara sucesor.March 2013
BENEDICT XVI 7
Benedict promoted better understanding of Vatican II
ing that the Catholic Church is the one true “church matters of faith, nor did it wish to replace what was
BY FRANCIS X. ROCCA of Christ” and that missionaries have a duty preach ancient,” the pope told the congregation at Mass that
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE the Gospel as well as provide charitable assistance to day in St. Peter’s Square. “Rather, it concerned itself
the needy. Both documents, the Vatican said, were with seeing that the same faith might continue to be
On Feb. 14, in one of the last public appearances necessary to correct misunderstandings of the teach- lived in the present day, that it might remain a living
of his ponticate, Pope Benedict XVI spoke to the ings of Vatican II. faith in a world of change.”
clergy of Rome about his experiences at the Second Pope Benedict presided over two major Vati- For most Catholics, the pope conveyed this
Vatican Council, which he had attended as an expert can investigations of women religious in the United lesson most clearly through worship. Following the
consultant half a century before. States, responding to diminishing numbers and exuberant and colorful celebrations that had marked
The pope praised some of the council’s achieve- reported deviations from doctrine and discipline in the papacy of Blessed John Paul, especially at World
ments, including its teachings on the interpretation the decades since the council. One of the investiga- Youth Days and on other international trips, papal
of Scripture, religious freedom and relations with tions led to an order of reform of the Leadership Masses under his successor became more solemn.
non-Christian religions. But he also lamented what he Conference of Women Religious, intended to ensure Pope Benedict encouraged the use of Gregorian
described as widespread distortions of the council’s the group’s commitment to Catholic teaching in areas chant and the practice of eucharistic adoration, one
teachings. The news media, he said, had presented including abortion, euthanasia, women’s ordination of the traditional devotions that had fallen largely out
the council to most of the world as a political and homosexuality. of use in the wake of Vatican II.
struggle for “popular sovereignty” in the church. The pope also tried to correct what he considered Most dramatically, Pope Benedict lifted most
This “council of the media” was responsible overly expansive notions of interreligious dialogue restrictions on the Tridentine Mass, which had prac-
for “many calamities, so many problems, so much that had blossomed after Vatican II, which he feared tically disappeared in the post-conciliar reform of the
misery,” the pope said. “Seminaries closed, convents could lead to relativism or syncretism. In October liturgy. He explicitly intended the move to promote
closed, liturgy trivialized.” 2011, at the 25th-anniversary commemoration of the reconciliation with the disaffected traditionalists of
With that speech, Pope Benedict returned to one World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy, there the Society of St. Pius X, whom he later offered the
of the major themes of his ponticate. During his was no public multireligious prayer of the kind that status of a personal prelature if they would return to
rst year as pope, he had explained in a landmark had distinguished the original event, which then- full communion with Rome, an effort that did not
speech that Vatican II could be properly understood Cardinal Ratzinger had criticized at the time. Pope bear fruit in his ponticate. Yet Pope Benedict also
only in continuity with the church’s millennial tradi- Benedict also added agnostic “seekers of the truth” expressed the hope that celebration of the Triden-
tions, not as a radical break with the past. He went to the guest list, further diluting the interreligious tine Mass would encourage a more reverent cel-
on to devote much of his papacy to promoting this character of the event. ebration of the new Mass, helping to bring out the
understanding of the council’s teachings. A lifelong teacher, Pope Benedict naturally made latter’s “sacrality,” “spiritual richness” and “theologi-
Under Pope Benedict, the Congregation for the Vatican II’s continuity with tradition a recurrent cal depth.”
Doctrine of Faith, which as Cardinal Joseph Ratz- theme in his homilies, catechetical talks, papal docu- If Pope Benedict’s service to the liturgical tradi-
inger he had headed for almost 24 years, continued ments and even in his personal writings, addressing tion should emerge as one of his major legacies as
to censure or criticize theologians whose writings, the topic in the rst of his best-selling “Jesus of pope, he would no doubt be content. As he told
often invoking the spirit if not the letter of Vatican Nazareth” books. the priests of Rome three days after announcing his
II documents, deviated from orthodoxy in areas that This pedagogical project culminated in the cur- resignation: “I nd now, looking back, that it was
included sexual morality, the mystery of the incarna- rent Year of Faith, which opened Oct. 11, the 50th a very good idea (for Vatican II) to begin with the
tion and the possibility of salvation without Christ. anniversary of the council. liturgy, because in this way the primacy of God could
The congregation also issued documents assert- “The council did not formulate anything new in appear, the primacy of adoration.”
Miguel Diaz lauds pope’s grace, courage, wisdom, humility
papacy,” Diaz said. “It was a coura-
BY PATRICIA ZAPOR geous decision to step down.”
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE In his statement, Obama offered his
appreciation and prayers to Pope Bene-
Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign Feb. 28 dict. “Michelle and I warmly remember
“was taken with much grace, courage, wisdom and our meeting with the Holy Father in
humility,” said the most recent U.S. ambassador to 2009, and I have appreciated our work
the Holy See, Miguel Diaz. together over these last four years. The
Diaz, now the University of Dayton’s professor church plays a critical role in the United
of faith and culture, told Catholic News Service States and the world, and I wish the
in a Feb. 11 phone interview that he hopes that in best to those who will soon gather to
this period before a new pope is elected, the entire choose (his) successor.”
church will pray about and discuss the possibilities Diaz said that as the rst pope to
presented by a change in the top leadership of the resign in more than 600 years, Pope
Catholic Church. Benedict’s action offers a model for
Diaz recalled fondly his meetings with Pope other leaders to recognize that it can be
Benedict while he served as ambassador from acceptable to step down when human
August 2009 until last November. A replacement limitations become overwhelming.
for the post has not yet been named. President “If the pope can do that, recogniz-
Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry ing the limitations of his body,” Diaz
both issued statements of appreciation for the said, then “all kinds of religious leaders” POPE BENEDICT XVI received the credentials of the new
pope’s leadership and recalled their meetings with might feel the example opens a door U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Miguel Diaz, at the papal
him. when they begin to recognize limita- villa in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Oct. 2, 2009. (CNS photo by
Diaz said he and the pontiff’s shared personal tions in themselves. L’Osservatore Romano via Catholic Press Photo)
history as theologians who were called to service Diaz said that with the return to
outside their chosen professions made for a bond his role as a theologian, he’s especially With the pope’s resignation coming in Lent, a
between them. That they are both returning to excited by the possibilities this moment holds for the time of fasting, prayer and reection, Diaz said he
their theological work now feels like another point church. hopes to encourage and participate in dialogue that
of commonality, he said. “What we need in this moment of grace is to leads to transformation, just as Lent in the liturgical
“I always found him to be very personable,” have a national and international conversation about tradition “leads to resurrection, transformation and
Diaz said, adding that the two of them also who the next leader should be,” he said. In a time change.”
enjoyed switching their conversation among the when “every faithful Catholic has had those mo- Diaz noted that of course “we don’t have a vote”
several languages that they both speak. “And he ments when we contemplate leaving the church, or in who is elected pope, but that people at all levels of
always responded to my kids.” fear that ‘my kids are going to leave,’” this is a mo- the church can pray and offer guidance to those who
The pope’s decision to resign because of weak- ment when Catholicism’s leaders should discuss how do vote, encouraging them to consider who can best
ening health “has put a more human face to the to meet such challenges, he said. tackle the complex issues that lie ahead for the church.8
BENEDICT XVI C ATHOLIC S PIRIT
Resources, prayers for Benedict XVI and his successor
for this purpose. The Mass is permitted on weekdays celebrated, according to the guidelines of the liturgical
BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE during Lent. calendar, during weekdays in Lent.
The material suggests that homilies reect on The guidelines note that Catholics should take
To help dioceses, parishes and other groups pray a particular ministry of Pope Benedict XVI as an this time to offer prayers, works and almsgiving for
for Pope Benedict XVI and for the selection of a new example to follow, especially as it relates to Lent. It the successful election of a new pope. It also suggests
pope, the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the U.S. mentions highlighting a major theme in Pope Bene- that petitions during the Prayer of the Faithful should
Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided liturgi- dict’s teachings and writings such as: “the need for an pray for the Holy Spirit to “inspire and strengthen the
cal and musical resources as well as specic prayers. authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” cardinal-electors” and that the cardinals be open to
The resources and prayers can be found at www. Other themes include the pope’s love for the God’s grace in the election process.
usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/pope-benedict- liturgy, efforts to achieve peace in the world, his ecu- When the new pope is elected, again bishops and
xvi/upload/Pope-Resignation-Resources.pdf. menical outreach and his constant care, concern and priests could offer a special Mass for the newly elected
According to these guidelines, diocesan bishops outreach for the poor, the sick and oppressed. pope according to the guidelines of the liturgical cal-
and parish priests could offer a special Mass for the Once the pope’s resignation takes effect Feb. 28, endar, only on weekdays in Lent, but not during the
pope using prayers from the Roman Missal specically a special Mass for the election of his successor can be days of Holy Week.
Recursos y oración por el papa Benedicto y por su sucesor
días entre semana, durante la Cuaresma. lineamientos del calendario litúrgico, durante los días
POR CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE En el material se sugiere que en las homilías entre semana de la Cuaresma.
se reexione sobre un ministerio en particular del En los lineamientos generales se hace notar que
El Secretariado de Culto Divino de la USCCB papa Benedicto XVI como ejemplo a seguir, es- los católicos deben dedicar tiempo para ofrecer
ha distribuido recursos litúrgicos y musicales, como pecialmente en cuanto se reere a la Cuaresma. Se oraciones, trabajo y limosna por la exitosa elección
también fórmulas de oración con el n de ayudar a las mencionan temas subrayados como importantes en del nuevo Papa por venir. También se sugiere que
diócesis, parroquias y otros grupos a que recen por el las enseñanzas del papa Benedicto y en sus escritos las peticiones durante la Oración de los Fieles deben
papa Benedicto XVI y por la elección del nuevo Papa. como, por ejemplo, “la necesidad de una relación dirigirse al Espíritu Santo a n de que “inspire y
Se pueden encontrar los recursos y oraciones en auténtica y personal con Jesucristo”. fortalezca a los cardenales electores” y para que los
este sitio: www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy- Entre otros temas se incluye el amor del Papa cardenales estén dispuestos a recibir la gracia de Dios
see/pope-benedict-xvi/upload/Pope-Resignation- por la liturgia, sus esfuerzos por alcanzar la paz en en el proceso de elección.
Resources.pdf. el mundo, su alcance ecuménico y su constante cui- Una vez que el nuevo Papa sea elegido, los obis-
De acuerdo con estos lineamientos, los obispos dado, preocupación y presencia con los pobres, los pos y sacerdotes, podrían ofrecer una Misa especial
de cada diócesis y sacerdotes de parroquias podrían enfermos y los oprimidos. por el nuevo Papa electo, de acuerdo con los linea-
ofrecer una Misa especial por el Papa utilizando Una vez que sea efectiva la renuncia del Papa el mientos del calendario litúrgico, solamente durante
oraciones tomadas del Misal Romano con este 28 de febrero, se podría celebrar una Misa especial los días entre semana, durante la cuaresma, pero no
propósito especíco. Se permite celebrar la Misa los por la elección de su sucesor, de acuerdo con los durante los días de Semana Santa.
Miguel Díaz elogia gracia, valentía, sabiduría, humildad del papa
valiente renunciar”.
POR PATRICIA ZAPOR En su declaración, Obama ofreció su
CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE agradecimiento y oraciones por el papa
Benedicto. “Michelle y yo recordamos
La decisión del papa Benedicto XVI de renun- cálidamente nuestra reunión con el Santo
ciar el 28 de febrero “fue tomada con mucha gracia, Padre en el 2009 y he apreciado nuestro
valentía, sabiduría y humildad”, dijo el más reciente trabajo conjunto durante estos últimos
embajador de Estados Unidos ante la Santa Sede, cuatro años. La iglesia tiene un rol crítico
Miguel Díaz. en Estados Unidos y en el mundo y le
Díaz, ahora profesor de Fe y Cultura en la univers- deseo lo mejor a aquellos que pronto se
idad de Dayton, dijo a Catholic News Service el 11 de reunirán para escoger (su) sucesor”.
febrero durante una entrevista telefónica que tiene la Díaz dijo que, como el primer papa
esperanza de que durante este período previo a que un en renunciar en más de 600 años, la
nuevo papa sea elegido, la iglesia completa orará por y acción del papa Benedicto ofrece un
discutirá las posibilidades presentadas por un cambio modelo para que otros líderes reconoz-
en el más alto liderato de la Iglesia Católica. can que puede ser aceptable dejar el
Díaz recordó gratamente sus reuniones con el puesto cuando las limitaciones humanas
papa Benedicto mientras servía como embajador se tornan abrumadoras.
desde agosto del 2009 hasta noviembre pasado. Un re- “Si el papa puede hacer eso, recono-
emplazo para el puesto todavía no ha sido nombrado. ciendo las limitaciones de su cuerpo”,
EL PAPA BENEDICTO XVI recibió las cartas credenciales
Tanto el presidente Barack Obama como el secretario dijo Díaz, entonces “todo tipo de líderes
de Estado John Kerry emitieron declaraciones de religiosos” podrían sentir que el ejemplo del nuevo embajador de EE.UU. ante el Vaticano, Miguel
agradecimiento por el liderazgo del papa y recordaron abre una puerta cuando comiencen a Díaz, en la villa papal en Castel Gandolfo, Italia, el 2 de oc-
sus reuniones con él. reconocer las limitaciones en sí mismos. tubre de 2009. (CNS foto de L’Osservatore Romano a través
Díaz dijo que la historia personal compartida entre Díaz dijo que, con el regreso a su de Catholic Press Photo)
él y el pontíce como teólogos que fueron llamados a rol como teólogo, él está especialmente
servir fuera de sus profesiones escogidas creó un vín- entusiasmado por las posibilidades que este momento durante la Cuaresma, tiempo de ayuno, oración y
culo entre ellos. El que ambos ahora estén regresando tiene para la iglesia. reexión, él tiene la esperanza de fomentar y partici-
a su trabajo teológico se siente como otro punto “Lo que necesitamos en este momento de gracia par en el diálogo que lleve a la transformación, justo
común entre ellos, dijo. es tener una conversación nacional e internacional mientras la Cuaresma en la tradición litúrgica “lleva a
“Él siempre me pareció muy agradable”, dijo Díaz, acerca de quién debe ser el próximo líder”, él dijo. En resurrección, transformación y cambio”.
quien añadió que ambos también disfrutaban cambiar tiempos en que “todo el católico ha tenido esos mo- Díaz señaló que, por supuesto, “no tenemos voto”
la conversación entre los varios idiomas que hablan. mentos en que consideramos abandonar la iglesia, o sobre quién es elegido papa, pero que las personas en
“Y él siempre respondía a mis hijos”. tememos que ‘mis hijos se irán”, este es un momento todos los niveles de la iglesia pueden orar y ofrecer
La decisión del papa de renunciar debido al de- en que los líderes del catolicismo deben discutir cómo dirección a las personas que sí votan, animándoles
bilitamiento de su salud “le ha puesto una cara más enfrentar tales retos, dijo. a considerar quién puede abordar mejor los asuntos
humana al papado”, dijo Díaz. “Fue una decisión Díaz dijo que con la renuncia del papa llegando complejos que yacen en el futuro de la iglesia.You can also read
