Wishful thinking
Wishful thinking
Posted 00:27am (Mla time) Feb 17, 2005
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A14 of the February 17, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE EYES of the world media were riveted on Rome over the last weeks, when Pope John Paul II was reported to be gravely ill from the flu. As things turned out, prompt medical attention resulted in the 82-year-old Pontiff recovering fairly quickly and well. Still, his most recent illness has led to a resumption of the debate over whether or not the Pope should resign.
There are historical precedents for a papal resignation, but the overwhelming example is of popes struggling on in their ministry until death claims them. No earthly power, in fact, can compel a pope to resign.
Over the past 20 years, as Pope John Paul II struggled with age and the effects of the assassination attempt on him and disease, there have been speculations that he himself was quietly preparing Catholic leaders for the possibility of his retirement. But the possibility of a papal retirement may actually be wishful thinking on the part of those who want it. John Paul II has never given any sign that he thinks retirement is an option. Rather, his infirmities and weakening health seem to be, for him, a chance to bear witness and to suffer for God.
The decision to remain in office may be easier for the Pope and the hierarchy to make, because John Paul II continues to have a clear mind, and a firm grasp of the pastoral and moral direction his pontificate aims to take. The present pope has always been a profoundly pastoral, that is, teaching and guiding leader, rather than one interested in actual administration. He has always had a gift for delegating authority, which frees him up, in secular terms, to concentrate on policy.
Indeed, there is something inspirational about a man who simply refuses to surrender to age or infirmity. Each time age and health problems seem to catch up with him, the Pope bounces back, and increasingly, his recuperation is seen as a triumph of the will, and even prayer. The formerly vigorous Pontiff is now frail, but as his back has become increasingly bent, his moral messages seem to resonate even louder around the world.
It is clear that this pope has restored vibrancy and strength to the conservative ranks of Catholicism. Some Catholics are, in fact, worried by the traditionalism of John Paul II. And yet, the last decades of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st have benefited from the uncompromising moral clarity of the leader of the Catholic Church. From his fight against Communism, his outspoken condemnation of abortion, his opposition to oppressive regimes and the imperialism of the West, his espousal of Third World debt reduction, he has remained consistently relevant in world and spiritual affairs.
Most of all, John Paul II has proven that the affairs of the spirit cannot be bound to the ways and means of the world of politicians and the secular life. A profound shift in emphasis from the pomp and glitter of the wealthy, comfortable lives of many Western Christians to the challenges and moral requirement of bearing witness to an authentic faith in the poor and violent developing world has taken place under his watch. This pope still has much to teach the world. In his mind, and heart, too, it seems quite clear he believes he has much to suffer, endure and celebrate, as well.
Posted 00:27am (Mla time) Feb 17, 2005
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A14 of the February 17, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE EYES of the world media were riveted on Rome over the last weeks, when Pope John Paul II was reported to be gravely ill from the flu. As things turned out, prompt medical attention resulted in the 82-year-old Pontiff recovering fairly quickly and well. Still, his most recent illness has led to a resumption of the debate over whether or not the Pope should resign.
There are historical precedents for a papal resignation, but the overwhelming example is of popes struggling on in their ministry until death claims them. No earthly power, in fact, can compel a pope to resign.
Over the past 20 years, as Pope John Paul II struggled with age and the effects of the assassination attempt on him and disease, there have been speculations that he himself was quietly preparing Catholic leaders for the possibility of his retirement. But the possibility of a papal retirement may actually be wishful thinking on the part of those who want it. John Paul II has never given any sign that he thinks retirement is an option. Rather, his infirmities and weakening health seem to be, for him, a chance to bear witness and to suffer for God.
The decision to remain in office may be easier for the Pope and the hierarchy to make, because John Paul II continues to have a clear mind, and a firm grasp of the pastoral and moral direction his pontificate aims to take. The present pope has always been a profoundly pastoral, that is, teaching and guiding leader, rather than one interested in actual administration. He has always had a gift for delegating authority, which frees him up, in secular terms, to concentrate on policy.
Indeed, there is something inspirational about a man who simply refuses to surrender to age or infirmity. Each time age and health problems seem to catch up with him, the Pope bounces back, and increasingly, his recuperation is seen as a triumph of the will, and even prayer. The formerly vigorous Pontiff is now frail, but as his back has become increasingly bent, his moral messages seem to resonate even louder around the world.
It is clear that this pope has restored vibrancy and strength to the conservative ranks of Catholicism. Some Catholics are, in fact, worried by the traditionalism of John Paul II. And yet, the last decades of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st have benefited from the uncompromising moral clarity of the leader of the Catholic Church. From his fight against Communism, his outspoken condemnation of abortion, his opposition to oppressive regimes and the imperialism of the West, his espousal of Third World debt reduction, he has remained consistently relevant in world and spiritual affairs.
Most of all, John Paul II has proven that the affairs of the spirit cannot be bound to the ways and means of the world of politicians and the secular life. A profound shift in emphasis from the pomp and glitter of the wealthy, comfortable lives of many Western Christians to the challenges and moral requirement of bearing witness to an authentic faith in the poor and violent developing world has taken place under his watch. This pope still has much to teach the world. In his mind, and heart, too, it seems quite clear he believes he has much to suffer, endure and celebrate, as well.
posted by Dante at 12:27 AM
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