Pope Benedict XVI wisely knows when to fold 'em
Published: 2/11/2013 9:10 AM
Last Modified: 2/11/2013 9:10 AM
In this 2005 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI waves as he rides through St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, following his installment Mass. Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday he would resign Feb. 28 because he is simply too old to carry on.
Anyone who has had to wrestle away car keys from an older person knows what a virtue it is to know one's limitations.
The 85-year-old head of the Catholic Church will witness the transition of leadership, though he will not be participating in that decision.
Vatican officials say he will probably retire to a monastery and devote himself to a life of reflection and prayer.
"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 fulfill the ministry entrusted to me," the pope said, according to the Vatican.
This is a true show of dignity.
Positions with lifetime appointments - from church leaders to Supreme Court justices - come with the added responsibility of knowing when to step down.
According to the Catholic Education Resource Center, few pontiffs have ever resigned.
The first to do so was Pope St. Pontian, elected in 230.
After being exiled to Sardinia during a time of Christian persecution under Emperor Maximus Thrax, he stepped down in 235 for another leader to govern the church.
The last pope to resign was Gregory XII in 1415.
He did so to end a civil war within the church in which more than one man claimed to be pope.
As the Lenten season begins, the 1.2 billion member Catholic Church will begin to look at new era.
At the end of the Easter celebrations, the cardinals will meet at the conclave to choose the next pontiff.
"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," he stated in his announcement.
Written by
Ginnie Graham
News Columnist
