In Tribute to His Eminence Pope Emeritus

As Christians throughout the world celebrated the Resurrection of Christ this past Easter Sunday, one prominent Roman Catholic had a double celebration:  Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI turned 90 on April 16.

He was elected Pope 12 years ago on April 19, after people throughout the world mourned the passing of Pope St. John Paul II.  I closely watched the proceedings all that month of the transition between Popes, for I, like any Roman Catholic in his/her 20's, 30's, or early 40's, knew no other Pope than St. John Paul II before he passed from this life back in 2005.  Furthermore, I was in a time of life when I came to a greater understanding of what it means to be Roman Catholic, especially as I was preparing for my Confirmation that would take place in October 2005.

On Tuesday, April 19, 2005, I was at an after-school meeting of Julian Middle School's newspaper staff when our faculty adviser mentioned that a new Pope had been elected hours earlier.  Working at a computer, I immediately got on the Internet to look at the news.

Before that month, I was unfamiliar with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.  As Dean of the College of Cardinals, he had a prominent role at the Vatican, and was the principal celebrant and homilist at the funeral Mass for Pope St. John Paul II.  He used the homily to reflect on Pope St. John Paul II's life.

After his election, I learned more about the story of Benedict XVI.  There were some details that resembled the story of Pope St. John Paul II, as both were young adults facing the difficult circumstances of life in Europe while World War II raged--Joseph Ratzinger as someone in Nazi Germany--and were ordained priests in the post-war years.  And both were Popes from outside of Italy, continuing a deviation from the long-standing domination of the Papacy by Italians.  When I watched NBC Nightly News on April 19, I took note of the special celebrations that took place in the municipality in Germany where he was born.  Perhaps they were celebrating specially last Sunday upon his milestone birthday in that same place.

In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States, and I followed coverage of his journey as much as I could, working around the fact that many events were happening while I was at school, much like when he was elected.  I did get the chance to view his departure ceremony at New York City, where he and Vice President Cheney offered remarks.  This was the first time in my life that a sitting Pope visited the United States, and it was exciting for me to see the Shepherd of the Church come visit this country and offer encouragement to Roman Catholics and good will to others.  He had the chance to celebrate his birthday that year at the White House.  He visited other prominent sites, like the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception--where a chair he sat on is on display.  He addressed the United Nations, and in a simple and profound gesture, knelt in prayer Ground Zero, which was well before the present memorial was finished.

Benedict XVI has been acclaimed for his strong command of theology, even earning a doctorate in that subject.  His knowledge in this area pervades his writings, and even influence the style of his papacy.  I think Cardinal Cupich said it well in an interview around the time he was installed as Archbishop of Chicago:  He said that the papacy of Pope St. John Paul II told us what we need to do as a Church, and the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI focused on why we do it.  And then the papacy of Pope Francis is all about actually doing it.  Certainly, Pope Benedict XVI stands out for being the first Pope in centuries to resign.  Of course, it only makes sense that someone ailing in health would feel inclined to retire, just like most people would who have demanding and exhilarating work.

The Church has been blessed with many good leaders, and Pope Benedict XVI certainly has a gift for theological matters.  In fact, one of my favorite quotations ever is a line from the homily at his installation Mass on April 24, 2005:  "Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed. Each of us is loved. Each of us is necessary."  Those words so beautifully express that we all have value, because each of us has a special purpose granted specifically to us by God.

So as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI marks this special milestone of 90 years, we give thanks to God for the role he played on this Earth and in the Holy Church of Rome as its Supreme Pontiff.