What do you do with a Pope when he stops being a Pope?
This and several other questions came to me when the news of Benedict the XVI's resignation was release. Until now I haven't actually done anything to answer these questions (partly because half my research endeavors end in frustration at being unable to find exactly what I want,) thankfully there are by now enough articles details the event to answer most of them without to much digging.
My first question was what his title would be; was he a bishop now? A cardinal? According the news articles I just finished scanning through this was a question that was asked in the Vatican too, after much research they decided on "pope emeritus Benedict XVI" the title "Roman Pontiff emeritus Benedict XVI" was also mentioned though I am unclear as to the usage of each. It was also decided that he would be referred to as "His Holiness Benedict XVI" and addressed as "Your Holiness." The word 'emeritus' I had to look up, according to merriam-webster.com it means;
one retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held
I had also initially wondered if Benedict would participate in the conclave and it appears that he won't. I hadn't really though he would but then the entire situation is rather unusual.
Which brings be to another point, Benedict resigned do to old age and health reasons. The last pope to resign did so 600 years ago, what were his reasons? According to Father William Saunders' article "Can the Pope Retire?" it was in a quest for peace in a time of division:
Pope Gregory XII (1406 - 1415) was elected as the legitimate pope at a time when there were two anti-popes: The Avignon Pope, Benedict XIII, who was supported by the French king; and the Pisa Pope, John XXIII, who was supported by conciliarists of the renegade Council of Pisa. (Please be sure to note that neither of these two latter mentioned pope were really pope.) Finally, at the Council of Constance (an official council), in order to heal the Church, Pope Gregory XII officially resigned, Benedict XIII resigned and John XXIII was deposed; Pope Martin V (1417 - 1431) was then elected as the legitimate successor of St. Peter, following Gregory XII.
The stories behind other resignations are also detailed in Fr. Saunders' article; in brief the reasons range from imprisonments that prevented the popes from leading the church to, sadly, bribery.
Why haven't more popes resigned? Again I reference Fr. Saunders;
First, if a pope resigns from office, there will always be the temptation to challenge the authority of the new pope, pitting him against the old. Secondly, in modern times, the Church has been blessed with truly holy popes who have been strong leaders. Third, the Church has definitely made itself more independent, free of political machinations from secular leaders.
Sense Benedict is to retire to a life of prayer and will no longer be involved in any decision making we can hope that there will be no attempt to cause a rift in the Church using Her old and the new Shepherds.
I suppose with the pope having resigned instead of having died in office the transition will likely be less bitter sweat them most, but still a time of confusion. On that note I will finish this up with a short prayer;
Mother Mary pray for your church and her Shepherd, past and future, and guide Her in this time and always.
God Bless, Rita
