Community Corner

Pope Will Be Remembered for 'Humility,' 'Piety," Say Local Church Leaders

Diocese of Metuchen issues statement.

Catholics around the world — and at home — awoke to the news this morning that Pope Benedict XVI announced he is stepping down from his role as the spiritual leader of the Catholic church on Feb. 28 due to his health. 

That makes him the first pontiff in more than 600 years to resign the post, rather than remaining in the role for his lifetime.

Yet, the pope gave reasons for retiring that many would think that, at age 85, make a lot of sense, including note of his advanced age.

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The Diocese of Metuchen, which includes Somerset County churches, posted a statement on its website acknowledging the historic significance of the announcement, saying it was "unprecedented in modern times."

“Along with the rest of the world, I continue to process today’s sudden and unexpected announcement by Pope Benedict XVI that he will resign his office of Bishop of Rome on Feb. 28," the Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski said. "It is not a complete surprise, however, that this man of great humility and dedication would recognize his inability to carry out fully the duties his office requires and would put first what ultimately is best Catholic Church and its members. I ask all to join me in praying for the Holy Father and for the College of Cardinals which will elect his successor.”

The Bishop has also announced a Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Benedict’s Papacy for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, in Metuchen.

As for the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI, the Rev. Brian Nolan, pastor of St. Mary's—Stony Hill Church, in Watchung, said he believes Pope Benedict will be "noted for his humility, he'll be noted for his piety, and his intellect."

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"It was courageous of him to recognize the burdens of his office," he added.

"It was such an unprecedented event—but then again, he'd written about it before," the Rev. Nolan said.

He pointed out Pope Benedict had written about the canonical law allowing a pope to step down, as well as the protocol for it.

"It's the first time in modern history we're going to have two living popes," the Rev. Nolan said, adding that Pope Benedict's humility means it's unlikely he will interfere or in any way disrupt his successor. "He's going to spend the rest of his life in prayer. He's an academic and may do some writing."

The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, in 1415, who stepped down amid a battle within the church between what's called the "Great Western Schism," when French churches elected separate popes during the time of the Avignon Papacy—whih the Rev. Nolan said was the last time the church had two (or in the case of Pope Gregory, three living popes—Antipope Benedict XIII, of Avignon, and Antipope John XXIII, of Pisa.

The Rev. Nolan said that while the pope is an important figure in the Catholic church, Pope Benedict's decision to step down will have little impact on the local parish.

"He's a father figure, and we do pray for the pope as part of our Mass," he said, but for most, the connection to the pope is through the images relayed via the media.

Do you think that Pope Benedict put the needs of the church above his own by resigning at this time? Or do you feel he should have continued his commitment as pope for his lifetime?

Do you think perhaps we will hear some other news down the line that may provide further clarification for the reasons for his resignation?

What do you think will be this pope's legacy? Do you feel that many American Catholics were touched by his spiritual leadership?

And finally, what would you like to see in a new pope, who reportedly may be named by Easter?

What qualities do you think are important in a pope to lead the world's Catholics in the 21st century?


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