A good and faithful servant

This morning the world was stunned to learn that Benedict XVI will be stepping down at the end of this month because his strength is no longer equal to bearing what is, admittedly, a burdensome office. Although not unknown in the distant past, the resignation of a Pope is unprecedented in modern times and, for that reason alone, has taken us quite by surprise.


When as Cardinal Ratzinger, Pope Benedict was elected in 2005, anxieties were raised in many quarters on account of his conservative instincts and historic role as a disciplinarian enforcer of rules within the Vatican. In the main those anxieties have proved groundless and the disciplinarian has shown himself to have a pastoral heart. Without disowning the reforms of Vatican II, Pope Benedict has restated the value of the Friday fast and allowed the traditional Tridentine Latin Mass to be celebrated freely. Our only regret is that it's referred to as the “extra ordinary form” when in fact, prior to Vatican II, it was normative. Through the Ordinariate he has shown tremendous generosity and graciousness to ex-Anglicans who, unable to accept the ordination of women, have been enabled to find a way forward in communion with the Holy See without entirely forsaking their traditional liturgical forms. At the same time Pope Benedict has maintained open and generous ecumenical relationships with other churches, something for which the world must be grateful. Most importantly he has provided stability and continuity at a time when both have been badly needed.


It takes a wise and courageous man to step down from what would ordinarily be a lifelong office, because his health no longer allows him to fulfil its duties to his satisfaction. Pope Benedict is just such a man. Whatever he asks of others we can be sure that asks more of himself, and the decision cannot have been an easy one. At his election as Pope he had already passed the age when most Roman Catholic clergy can lay claim to a well earned retirement. We cannot reproach him if, at the age of eighty five, he no longer feels equal to the demands of what is, by any standard of measurement, a difficult job. As he prepares to lay down his charge, we wish this Servant of the Servants of God, a well earned rest. Well done, thou good and faithful servant!

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