The Catholic Action League of Massachusetts today was saddened to learn of the unexpected decision of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to “renounce my ministry as Bishop of Rome, and Successor of Saint Peter.” The Pontiff cited advanced age and failing health as the reason for his resignation. Although not unprecedented in the 2000 year history of Catholicism, the last abdication of the Petrine office occurred before the discovery of America.
The Catholic Action League called the Pope’s decision “an admirable example of Papa Ratzinger’s honesty, humility, and selfless integrity.”
Catholic Action League Executive Director C. J. Doyle stated: “Although the pontificate of Benedict XVI was shorter in duration than that of his illustrious predecessor, its historical significance was potentially greater. In less than eight years, Benedict secured three major achievements. The liberation and revival of the Church’s traditional Latin liturgy — the principal form of worship for western civilization — ended an anomalous period in the history of the Church, restored continuity, and reconciled millions of traditional Catholics worldwide.”
“Five hundred years after the Protestant Reformation, the Anglican Ordinariates offer orthodox Anglicans a path to reunion with Rome, while retaining their spiritual patrimony and distinctive identity. While the Church has had numerous Eastern rites, such as Copts, Maronites, and Melkites, now, because of Benedict, the Catholic Church may actually develop a second Western rite besides that of Rome.”
“Finally, Pope Benedict will be remembered as a diligent, feet under his desk, administrator of the Papal office, who took meticulous care in vetting appointments to the episcopate, the College of Cardinals, and the Papal diplomatic corps. The recent selection of new archbishops for Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland, and the choice of an American priest as Papal Nuncio to Ireland, are evidence of his personal involvement in the appointment process.”
“Pope Benedict XVI will be remembered as a saintly man, a prudent administrator, and a great Sovereign Pontiff. He will be sorely missed. The Catholic Action League wishes to acknowledge to the Holy Father our grateful appreciation for his historic Petrine ministry, and our best wishes for his health and welfare.”
