Benedict’s resignation teaches us once again that leadership—while exercised by a person—is not about that person

The Reason Benedict Resigned

by William Fahey

The papacy is not a mere person, it is not a great man, 

it is certainly not a bloodline or earthly principality. 

It is the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, Successor of St. Peter.

 It is a sacred office entrusted to the entire Church. 

It is an enduring stewardship through time.  

Behind the Vicar stand the Kingship of Christ

 and the enduring nature of His Church,

 yesterday, today, and forever.

The Catholic world is largely shocked by the publication of Pope Benedict XVI’s letter of resignation this morning. The secular world assumes the worst—no, it desires the worst, and by insinuation worms doubts into the minds of even the faithful.

The secular world will tear through the brief letter and fixate upon the line about a “world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith.” It will weave from these deconstructed words an existential tale of despair, scandal, and an authority which realizes it is no longer in touch with reality.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Benedict’s resignation is utterly consistent with his character. It is traditional—he brings from our history and our law a fact and feature of the Papal Office: one can and—under certain circumstance—should put aside that office.

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