It was reading The Evening Standard in the tube about a month ago that my friend A. and I learned of Benedict's renounce. A. noted how interesting was the fact that we had not know from TV. We both were surprised as everybody else and, as anybody else, without much opinion. The interpretations of Benedict's unique decision and its consequences have been presented in a political tone: the Pope, as the leader; his act, as a resignation; and the challenges faced, as scandals that could cause the follower numbers drop. Nothing farther away from the truth. It was only a month ago when Benedict, in strict observance of the Canonical law, communicated freely his renounce; today, there is already a new Pope with a new name who, as it seems, is already liked. In the midst of a tremendous economical and institutional crisis, Spanish politicians took three months to take power after winning elections by landslide. First difference: Church is not politics.
It is in my view that none of this conclave is fortuitous. The countenance and self-assurance that Francis displayed yesterday minutes after his election and, above all, his words: "this stage we begin...", leads the way to suspect that this outcome was indeed sought. He did not look surprised and no one could be surprised when he says: "the stage we begin today...".
Few days after my friend A. and I learned of Benedict's renounce, I started speaking my mind and I could not help but feeling awe and admiration for the Emeritus Bishop. Unlike politicians, he rejected power. He said he felt weak and powerless. As if he was a vulgar politician, the media began speculating on the true reasons behind his decision. So much we are use to the lies of politics! Conspiracy, secret reports, unknown scandals were brandished by the Church haters, who likely would love to watch the end of it live on TV, in Reality format. Nothing of this is relevant at all in my opinion. Benedict knows himself at the door of death and he is going to prepare for it. Probably he did not wanted to be a Pope; probably that is the profound, intimate meaning of his Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate: everyone must love from Truth, in his own sacred place and vocation, as the Holy Ghost arranges. "I am a pilgrim at the final stage of his voyage", he said. This sentence is the first of three that makes the act of Benedict an utter deed. "I examined my conscience before God", is the second, oozing responsibility, freedom and individual relationship with Him. "The Church belongs to Christ and He would take care of It", is the third. These three statements are the statements of the true believer, of someone who, before being a Pope, Bishop or Priest, is a disciple of Christ. Again, nothing farther from a politician.
If any change is to come from this (excitement and renew expectations are themselves a form of change already), it seems to me that Benedict XVI purposely looked and prepared for it. The reformation of the proceedings to find agreement in the Pope election and the speed up of the process are two concrete but decisive details. But, even more. If one listens to Francis' Homily today (beautiful and moving), the same elements that drove the decision of Benedict are in the new Pope: " (approx.) if we do not walk or do not build as Church, or do walk and do build but do not proclaim the Christ, we can be Popes, Bishops or Priests, but we are not disciples of Christ".
Benedict can be an excellent theologian or "one of the best in the history of Church", as the elites (i.e. Opus Dei) like claiming, but his contribution goes beyond and is infinitely more important: he is a man of great Faith and has return the Church of Christ to the believers. It seems safe to say in 24 hours that Francis is one of them. It is a great day for the faithful man.
(PLEASE, LEAVE YOUR COMMENT).
It is in my view that none of this conclave is fortuitous. The countenance and self-assurance that Francis displayed yesterday minutes after his election and, above all, his words: "this stage we begin...", leads the way to suspect that this outcome was indeed sought. He did not look surprised and no one could be surprised when he says: "the stage we begin today...".
Few days after my friend A. and I learned of Benedict's renounce, I started speaking my mind and I could not help but feeling awe and admiration for the Emeritus Bishop. Unlike politicians, he rejected power. He said he felt weak and powerless. As if he was a vulgar politician, the media began speculating on the true reasons behind his decision. So much we are use to the lies of politics! Conspiracy, secret reports, unknown scandals were brandished by the Church haters, who likely would love to watch the end of it live on TV, in Reality format. Nothing of this is relevant at all in my opinion. Benedict knows himself at the door of death and he is going to prepare for it. Probably he did not wanted to be a Pope; probably that is the profound, intimate meaning of his Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate: everyone must love from Truth, in his own sacred place and vocation, as the Holy Ghost arranges. "I am a pilgrim at the final stage of his voyage", he said. This sentence is the first of three that makes the act of Benedict an utter deed. "I examined my conscience before God", is the second, oozing responsibility, freedom and individual relationship with Him. "The Church belongs to Christ and He would take care of It", is the third. These three statements are the statements of the true believer, of someone who, before being a Pope, Bishop or Priest, is a disciple of Christ. Again, nothing farther from a politician.
If any change is to come from this (excitement and renew expectations are themselves a form of change already), it seems to me that Benedict XVI purposely looked and prepared for it. The reformation of the proceedings to find agreement in the Pope election and the speed up of the process are two concrete but decisive details. But, even more. If one listens to Francis' Homily today (beautiful and moving), the same elements that drove the decision of Benedict are in the new Pope: " (approx.) if we do not walk or do not build as Church, or do walk and do build but do not proclaim the Christ, we can be Popes, Bishops or Priests, but we are not disciples of Christ".
Benedict can be an excellent theologian or "one of the best in the history of Church", as the elites (i.e. Opus Dei) like claiming, but his contribution goes beyond and is infinitely more important: he is a man of great Faith and has return the Church of Christ to the believers. It seems safe to say in 24 hours that Francis is one of them. It is a great day for the faithful man.
(PLEASE, LEAVE YOUR COMMENT).
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