Posted on Dec 29, 2022
Ex-Pope Benedict's failing health presents difficult decisions for Vatican
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The Catholic Church has strict protocols in place following the death of its leader, but as ex-Pope Benedict's health wanes it is unclear whether those same protocols will apply to a retired pope, known as Emeritus.
When Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 citing old age, he became the first pope in 600 years to step down from the role. Born Joseph Ratzinger, the German cardinal was elected in April 2005 and chose to go by the name of Benedict.
For almost a decade there have in effect been two popes living at close quarters in the Vatican, because Benedict has stayed in the Vatican Gardens at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery and appeared occasionally alongside his successor.
"We've never had this before where a living pope will help bury a dead pope," Catholic historian John McGreevy said.
Even the Middle Ages do not provide a template, because when Gregory XII resigned in 1415 his aim was to bring an end to years of division involving rival challengers to the papacy.
When Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 citing old age, he became the first pope in 600 years to step down from the role. Born Joseph Ratzinger, the German cardinal was elected in April 2005 and chose to go by the name of Benedict.
For almost a decade there have in effect been two popes living at close quarters in the Vatican, because Benedict has stayed in the Vatican Gardens at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery and appeared occasionally alongside his successor.
"We've never had this before where a living pope will help bury a dead pope," Catholic historian John McGreevy said.
Even the Middle Ages do not provide a template, because when Gregory XII resigned in 1415 his aim was to bring an end to years of division involving rival challengers to the papacy.
Ex-Pope Benedict's failing health presents difficult decisions for Vatican
Posted from bbc.com
Religion
Christianity
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Death
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Vatican affairs writer Massimo Franco told the BBC that all the procedures would have to be "written from scratch", and that following Benedict's resignation in 2013 the Catholic Church did not specify what would be done in the event of his death.
He also warned the possible death of Benedict could have unforeseen consequences on the papacy, such as normalising the resignation of a Pope.
"For some within the Catholic Church, the resignation of Benedict represents a unique circumstance that will never have to be repeated.
"For others it may represent a precedent and therefore could be repeated. But this remains a big question mark, just like everything surrounding the death and funeral of Benedict XVI."
As Benedict was previously the head of state of Vatican City - an independent city-state surrounded by Rome and governed by the Pope - it is possible there will be a state funeral with foreign leaders invited, but even that to date is uncharted territory."
..."Vatican affairs writer Massimo Franco told the BBC that all the procedures would have to be "written from scratch", and that following Benedict's resignation in 2013 the Catholic Church did not specify what would be done in the event of his death.
He also warned the possible death of Benedict could have unforeseen consequences on the papacy, such as normalising the resignation of a Pope.
"For some within the Catholic Church, the resignation of Benedict represents a unique circumstance that will never have to be repeated.
"For others it may represent a precedent and therefore could be repeated. But this remains a big question mark, just like everything surrounding the death and funeral of Benedict XVI."
As Benedict was previously the head of state of Vatican City - an independent city-state surrounded by Rome and governed by the Pope - it is possible there will be a state funeral with foreign leaders invited, but even that to date is uncharted territory."
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