The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI is controversial. Of course we respect his decision. But I cannot shake off my theological doubts.
Our classmates checked the Code of Canon Law. We found in c.332 n.2 which reads
"Should it happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns from his office, it is required for validity that the resignation be freely made and properly manifested, but it is not necessary that it be accepted by anyone."
So, there is provision in the Canon Law for a pope to resign.
Meanwhile, the mass media have also done a lot of research. South China Morning Post, for one, published an article from Agence France-Presse in Vatican City which listed at least 4 popes who had resigned since 1045. It was Pope Celestine V or perhaps his successor Pope Boniface VIII, who issued a decree in 1294 to allow popes to resign. Check it out in Catholic Encyclopedia.
Given that there are legal provisions for popes to resign, a theological question still remains: can a pope, the Vicar of Christ, resign?
If the Church is only a human organization, it is reasonable for an incompetent CEO to resign lest the organization would go down with him. However, the Church is more than a human organization. There have been lots of corrupt and incompetent people occupying the Chair of Saint Peter but the Church still stands. Indeed, the Church is so complex that her existence does not depend on the leadership of a single person. Moreover, we should not ignore the divine dimension of the Church, which is the Mystic Body of Christ. Whatever happens to the Church cannot happen without God's consent.
On the other hand, the human population is ageing. Yet, improved medical services have made many retirees economically active. In fact, many countries are extending the retirement age beyond sixty and many top jobs are managed by octogenarians, e.g. the Thai King and the British Queen. Of course, you may argue that these octogenarians only discharge symbolic functions. However, in an age which idolizes vitality and youthfulness, the value of advanced age is despised. Therefore, the world is badly in need of a theology of the aged. Who is in the best position to develop such a theology, if not Pope Benedict XVI, a renowned theologian? Perhaps the Holy Father is intended to do just this after his resignation comes into effect on February 28. I respect his decision to resign but I still don't think that it is a right decision.
Dear Lord, I pray for the physical and spiritual well-being of the Holy Father. Amen.
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