The figure of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has marked a turning point in the recent history of the Catholic Church. By resigning from the papacy in 2013, Joseph Ratzinger not only surprised the world but also opened uncharted territory for the Church, raising many questions. One of the most complex is how to treat his remains upon his death.
Death of Benedict XVI: The Future of the Remains of an Emeritus Pope in the Catholic Church
How is the death of a Pope managed when he no longer serves in that role but has once been anointed as the leader of the Catholic Church?
The Role of the Emeritus Pope in History
From a historical standpoint, the existence of an emeritus pope is an unprecedented event in the recent history of the Catholic Church. The last papal resignation, before Benedict XVI, occurred in 1415 when Gregory XII stepped down during the Western Schism.
However, Benedict XVI’s decision was different in many aspects: it was not forced by an institutional crisis but instead was due to personal considerations regarding his health. Thus, Benedict XVI inaugurated a new chapter in ecclesiastical history, creating the modern figure of the emeritus pope.
Yet, the Church’s history has not provided a clear framework on how to proceed with the death of an emeritus pope. Traditionally, popes are buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, following a meticulous protocol that has been repeated for centuries.
The question now is: does the emeritus pope deserve the same treatment, despite no longer being the active leader of the Church?
According to the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which sets the procedures for a conclave and papal transition, there is no mention of how to proceed in the event of the death of a pope who has resigned. This creates an ambiguous situation in which the current Pontiff will have the final say on the protocol to be followed for Benedict XVI’s burial.
A Spiritual Legacy: Theological Implications
From a theological perspective, the death of Benedict XVI raises profound questions about the role of an emeritus pope and his place within the spiritual structure of the Church. In the Catholic imagination, a pope is not only the institutional leader of the Church but also its spiritual leader and the Vicar of Christ. This makes his figure deeply imbued with religious symbolism. So, what happens when a pope no longer wears the tiara, yet remains alive and carries a legacy to protect?
Pope Francis has emphasized on more than one occasion the importance of Benedict XVI’s role as a “wise grandfather” who accompanies the Church in prayer from the intimacy of the Vatican gardens. However, his death could trigger important debates on the nature of papal authority and how it relates to the eternity of the soul. If the emeritus pope were to outlive the current pope, this would present an unprecedented scenario in which two papal figures, one alive and one deceased, coexist symbolically.
The Church faces a spiritual and pastoral challenge, as it must find a way to honor the memory of the emeritus pope without creating confusion among the faithful. Will there be special masses for the repose of the emeritus pope? Will he one day be canonized, as other popes have been? All these questions remain unanswered and illustrate the complexity of managing the spiritual legacy of an emeritus pope.
Canon Law and Protocol: The Unwritten Rules
Canon Law, which governs the life of the Catholic Church, does not specifically anticipate the current situation of Benedict XVI, leaving many decisions to the discretion of the sitting Pope and the College of Cardinals. From the moment Joseph Ratzinger ceased to be Benedict XVI, he automatically lost his status as a cardinal, meaning he also no longer has a voice in any future conclave. However, this does not address the central question of what happens when an emeritus pope passes away.
When a cardinal dies, the sitting Pope takes charge of the funeral rites, following an established protocol. However, Benedict XVI is not just another cardinal. He does not belong to the College of Cardinals and his status is entirely unique. In this context, the death of Benedict XVI could lead to a series of improvised decisions by the Vatican, given the absence of a clear protocol.
If Benedict XVI were to pass away before a new pope is elected, during a period of sede vacante, the College of Cardinals would face difficult decisions about his funeral and burial place. The figure of an emeritus pope, though lacking formal precedents, commands respect and special treatment that must be decided by consensus.
A Possible Legacy of Unity
Although many of the decisions about the death of the emeritus pope might seem disorganized or without precedent, the focus on prayer and humility demonstrated by Benedict XVI during his final years could serve as a guide for the future. His decision to retire from the papacy, recognizing his human limitations, offers a powerful lesson on the value of renunciation and service to the Church from a position of seclusion.
The Catholic Church, with a history spanning more than two thousand years, has had to constantly adapt to challenges and changes over time. The death of Benedict XVI will be a crucial moment to test the Church’s ability to honor its traditions, respect the figure of the emeritus pope and at the same time look to the future.
In this sense, the current situation also represents an opportunity to demonstrate unity and underscore the eternal nature of the Church, which transcends the individuals who temporarily guide it.
Final Reflections
The passing of Benedict XVI, when it occurs, will mark a moment of introspection and challenges for the Catholic Church. The lack of a clear protocol on how to honor an emeritus pope demonstrates the uniqueness of the situation we face today. However, it also represents a moment to strengthen the spiritual values that characterize the Church, such as prayer, humility and unity.
While these questions are resolved, it is clear that the legacy of Benedict XVI as emeritus pope goes beyond ecclesiastical protocols and rules. His contribution to theology and his humility in stepping down from the papacy will be remembered as an act of courage and total dedication to God. The Church, Christians and the entire world will benefit from his prayers and his testimony of faith, even after his passing.
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