Did you know that Benedict XVI was the first Pope to resign in nearly 600 years? The decision that shook the Vatican and the entire world has profound implications. From the announcement in 2013 to the conclave process that elected his successor, we explore every aspect of this unprecedented resignation and the life of Benedict XVI after the Papacy.
History and Legacy of Benedict XVI’s Papal Resignation
Announcement of the Resignation
On February 11, 2013, on World Day of the Sick, Benedict XVI announced his resignation in the Apostolic Palace during a meeting for the canonization of 800 Catholic martyrs. Speaking in Latin, he explained that his decision was of “great importance for the life of the Church” due to his physical and mental deterioration caused by old age.
In his own words, he acknowledged that he no longer had the strength necessary to “adequately fulfill the Petrine ministry” and that he would continue to serve the Church through a life dedicated to prayer.
Historical Context
Benedict XVI’s resignation was unprecedented in the modern era, being the first pope to do so voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294, and the first in general since Gregory XII, who resigned in 1415 to end the Western Schism.
The news profoundly impacted the Catholic community and the world, as all modern popes had held the office until their death. Benedict XVI’s decision broke with this tradition, highlighting the complexity and human demands of the papacy.
This resignation not only destabilized the image of the papacy as an immutable institution but also opened the debate on possible future implications for the Catholic Church. Benedict XVI’s statement was received with surprise and respect, emphasizing the courage of an act that prioritized the Church’s well-being over any personal consideration.
His resignation set the stage for the conclave that would elect his successor and marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the Catholic Church.
The Process of Electing the New Pope
Preparations for the Conclave
With Benedict XVI’s resignation, the period known as “sede vacante” began, during which the Cardinal Camerlengo, Tarcisio Bertone, played a crucial role in the administration of the Church. This period is essential for preparing the conclave, which is governed by the “Ordo Rituum Conclavis,” established by John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution, “Universi Dominici Gregis”.
During the sede vacante, various procedures were carried out to ensure an orderly conclave without external interference. The cardinal electors, responsible for electing the new pope, stayed at the Vatican residence Casa Santa Marta.
Communications with the outside world were strictly prohibited to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. The Sistine Chapel, the voting venue, was prepared with all necessary security and confidentiality measures, including the famous stove to burn the ballots after each vote.
Composition of the Conclave
The conclave that would elect Benedict XVI’s successor consisted of 117 cardinal electors, with significant international representation. Of these, 61 were from Europe, 19 from Latin America, 14 from North America, 11 from Africa, 11 from Asia and 1 from Oceania.
The diversity of the cardinals’ origins reflects the global nature of the Catholic Church and the importance of representing different cultures and perspectives in the election of the new pope.
Italy, with 21 cardinals, had the largest number of electors. It is noteworthy that 67 of these cardinals were created by Benedict XVI, while the remaining 50 were appointed by John Paul II. This mix of electors ensured a balanced representation between the two previous papal administrations.
Development of the Conclave
The conclave began on March 12, 2013, once the preparations were completed. After taking the solemn oath of secrecy and loyalty, the cardinals began the voting process in the Sistine Chapel. The first vote resulted in black smoke, indicating that a consensus had not yet been reached.
On March 13, 2013, after several rounds of voting, white smoke finally appeared, signaling the election of a new pope. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Francis. His election marked several milestones: the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from America and the first pope from the southern hemisphere.
The official announcement was made from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the Protodeacon Cardinal proclaimed: “Habemus Papam”. Pope Francis, known for his humility and focus on social issues, was received with enthusiasm by the faithful and the international community, who expected a renewed leadership and a different pastoral vision for the Church.
The Life of Benedict XVI After the Resignation
Title and Lifestyle
After his resignation, Benedict XVI adopted the title of “Pope Emeritus” and committed to a life dedicated to prayer and meditation. He retained his papal name, Benedict XVI and his lifestyle changed significantly. He chose to wear a simple white cassock without the mozzetta and replaced the traditional papal red shoes with brown shoes he had received during a state visit to Mexico.
Cardinal Camerlengo Tarcisio Bertone was responsible for destroying the Fisherman’s Ring and the lead seal of his pontificate, following traditional procedures to ensure they were not fraudulently used in the future. Benedict XVI initially moved to the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, where he spent the first months after his resignation.
Residence at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery
In May 2013, Benedict XVI moved to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, located within the Vatican grounds. This monastery, previously occupied by religious communities, was renovated to serve as his permanent residence. From there, Benedict led a quiet life, away from administrative responsibilities, focusing on prayer, reading and writing.
The Swiss Guard, traditionally responsible for the Pope’s security, ceased its service in Castel Gandolfo after Benedict XVI’s resignation. The Pope Emeritus’ security was entrusted to the Vatican Gendarmerie, responsible for protection within Vatican territory.
Reflections and Interviews
Over the years, Benedict XVI gave some interviews and wrote about his decision to resign. In these writings and conversations, he expressed that his resignation was an act of full freedom, motivated by his inability to continue with the demanding tasks of the Petrine ministry due to his advanced age. Benedict XVI remained firm in his conviction that he had done the right thing for the Church’s well-being.
In later interviews, Benedict XVI addressed rumors and theories about the reasons for his resignation, including speculations about the influence of a “gay mafia” within the Vatican. In his book “Last Conversations,” he described those involved as a small group without significant power and assured that he had dissolved them.
Death and Legacy
Benedict XVI lived in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until his death on December 31, 2022. After a brief illness, his death marked the end of an era for the Catholic Church. His funeral, held in St. Peter’s Square on January 5, 2023, was a significant event that attracted thousands of faithful and dignitaries from around the world. Benedict XVI was buried in a tomb alongside his predecessors in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The legacy of Benedict XVI as Pope Emeritus continues to be a subject of reflection and study. His resignation, an unprecedented decision in the modern era, has left an indelible mark on the history of the Catholic Church, influencing perceptions of the papacy and opening new possibilities for future Church leadership.