The meteorite that exploded over Russia's Ural Mountains
with the force of thirty atomic bombs had the biggest impact since the
one that exploded over Tunguska in 1908 with a force more powerful than
all the bombs, including the atomic ones dropped in the Second World
War. But such a force of nature, when observed passing safely by with
breathtaking speed, can also be a sign of the beauty and brevity of all
things. So it was in “The Year of Three Popes” when the death of Paul VI
was followed by the death of John Paul I just four weeks after his
election, and then the election of John Paul II. Cardinal Confaloniere
said of John Paul I, in the exquisite Latin for which he was famous: “He
passed as a meteor which unexpectedly lights up the heavens and then
disappears, leaving us amazed and astonished.”
The impact of that pope's sudden death seemed at the time to be
immeasurably hurtful, and yet he made the way for many providential
events. Now the gracious abdication of Pope Benedict XVI also amazes and
astonishes. When he assumed the papacy, he knew the work would not be
easy: “Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves.”
Without histrionics or self-pity, he quietly took up his burden in the
succession of St. Peter to whom the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has
desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed
for you, that your faith fail not; and that when you are converted, you
will strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:31-32).
In many glorious ways, Benedict XVI has done just that. With
unerring fidelity he has explained the sacred deposit of the Faith to
its opponents, both cultured and uncultured, with patient eloquence and
stunning insight. Many reforms in the Church’s structure and the
purification of abuses were his intense initiatives. Rather like St.
Francis of Assisi going to meet with the caliph of Egypt clad only in
simplicity, Benedict XVI refused to wear a bullet-proof vest when he
went to Turkey, turning the anger of many to respect. A new reverence
and beauty in worship has been his gift to the Church through his
renewal of the sacred rites, and the provision of an ordinariate for
whole groups seeking full communion with the Church “amazed and
astonished” many. Now, his renunciation of the Keys entrusted to him,
teaches the essence of the papacy as a stewardship that transcends the
charisms of any individual. Officially, a pope is Bishop of Rome, Vicar
of Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of
the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of
the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City, Servant of
the Servants of God. But to the world, this Pope has also been a very
good Father.
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