Its funny how the Holy Spirit works sometimes. When I’m driving to and from work, I generally will alternate between talks on Catholicism and then music. I use my phone to play the music through Google Play, and I generally will pick out what I’ll listen to randomly, and ahead of time.
So, basically about a week ago, I had loaded up Pope Benedict’s interview “Light of the World” onto my playlist. It is the audio version, and on top of that its an abridged version thanks to Lighthouse Catholic Media.
When talking about the sex abuse scandal, Peter Seewald asked:
“The great majority of these cases took place decades ago, nevertheless, they burden your pontificate now in particular, have you thought of resigning?”
Pope Benedict: “When the danger is great, one must not run away. For that reason, now is certainly not the time to resign, precisely at a time like this, one must stand fast, and endure the difficult situation, that is my view. One can resign at a peaceful moment, or when one simply can not go on, but one must not run away from danger and say that someone else should do it.
Peter Seewald: “Is it possible then to imagine a situation in which you would consider a resignation by the Pope appropriate?”
Pope Benedict: “Yes, if a Pope clearly realizes he is no longer physically, psychologically, and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right and under some circumstances also an obligation to resign.”
Obviously, this goes to show that Pope Benedict has clearly been thinking about resigning for quite some time. It also sheds some light on what may be going on with him.
I saw on The Anchoress’ blog a post that she had written up that highlights more of what we can now look back upon Pope Benedict’s statements in the past and now see evidence that a resignation has been on his mind.
I believe that we love him so much as our dear Papa, that we never thought that he would give up that title, no matter what. Look at Pope John Paul II. He was in terrible condition, yet he firmly believed that he was chosen for it and would only let go when God had called him home.
Regardless, continue to pray for Pope Benedict. Offer up your sacrifices for him, pray rosaries, offer up Mass. Pray for the College of Cardinals, that they may be receptive of the Holy Spirit and choose our next Papa, who will lead the Church as she is needed in this dire time.
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