On this World Day of the Sick, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the world awoke to the stunning news that Pope Benedict XVI has decided to resign the papacy, effective February 28, 2013. Having been appointed Bishop of Trenton by him and, before that, approved as President of the Catholic University of America, I feel a genuine closeness to him.
I was so honored to welcome him to Washington during my tenure. Over the years in both his role as Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Pope, I have come to love and admire him greatly. He had an incredible ability to make the most profound and intense aspects of our faith clear and accessible not only to Catholics but to all people. Pope Benedict XVI helped the world understand Catholicism. In my mind, he was an absolutely inspired choice to succeed Blessed Pope John Paul II, both for his theological teaching and for his fatherly pastoral presence. I have always found him to be gentle and kind, despite the contrary perception created by some.
While I feel some sadness at the announcement, I think we can all see the courage and devotion of this great man to our Church and to the Ministry of Peter that he would hand over the reins of the Church to someone stronger and more vibrant than he at the age of nearly 86. In a world where power and influence are sought after and held tightly, this passing of the papal crozier speaks volumes about Pope Benedict XVI’s humility and desire that the Catholic Church be led effectively and well.
He leaves behind an impressive legacy as Pope. I ask our Diocese to pray for him and to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this time of transition.