Thursday.
At 2 p.m. Eastern time (8 p.m. in Rome), he will step down. Benedict XVI will be the first pope to step down or abdicate from the Papal throne. In the eight years that he was pope and successor to John Paul II, Benedict XVI led the Catholic church through problems both inside the United States and outside the borders of the US.
Few know that he had a somewhat interesting life as a young man. At the age of 16, when most young men were thinking about girls, Benedict, born Joseph Ratzinger, was drafted into the German army in the Second World War and worked in the anti-aircraft corps. After that, he was then sent to basic training and stationed in Hungary, setting up anti-tank defenses until 1944, when he deserted (which was punishable by death). He was later captured by the allies and sent to a POW camp and stayed there until June of 1945 when the war in the European theatre came to an end.
The sexual abuse scandal still hangs over his head as it does the church, like the sword of Damoclese. There are also issues about the use of birth control, homosexual priests and even women priests. These are some of the issues that the new pope will have to deal with. Two weeks ago, the pontiff announced that he was stepping down as pontiff, citing health issues.
He was elected pope by the College of Cardinals on April 19 of 2005, a little more than two weeks after the man that he would succeed died. In his first General Audience in St. Peter's Square eight days later, he explained why he took the name Benedict. "Firstly," the pontiff told those that were gathered, "I remember Pope Benedict XV, that courageous prophet of peace, who guided the church through turbulent times of war. In his footsteps, I place my ministry in the service of reconcilliation and harmony between peoples. Additionally, I recall St. Benedict of Nursia, co-patron of Europe, whose life evokes the Christian roots of Europe. I ask him to help us all to hold firm to the centrality of Christ in our Christian life, May Christ always take first place in our thoughts and actions!"
The man that many called "Father No," either out of anger or sarcasm, authored three encyclicals (Deus Caritas Est, Spe Salvi and Caritas in Veritae), while canonizing over 40 saints, named two doctors of the church and created 90 cardinals in five consistories, while traveling extensively over six continents (including a visit to the United States). He has published 30 books since his election, while speaking consistenly about his desire to unify the Church and renewing it and its faithful. Last October, Benedict XVI declared a "Year of Faith" that started October 11 of 2012 and will come to an end on November 24, 2013.
At most Catholic churches Sunday, including St. Joseph's in Macon, the closing hymn for most of the masses this weekend was a tribute to the Pope and the Papacy. In the new St. Michael Hymnal, there is such a hymn. "Long Live The Pope" was written by Hugo T. Henry (1862-1956, text) and Henry G. Ganss (1831-1913, music) and was sung at the recessional hymn for all the masses this weekend and will be sung again at noon on Thursday, when we hold a mass in honor of Benedict XVI.
The words are as follows:
1. Long Live the Pope! His praises sound again and yet again.
His rule is over space and time, His throne the hearts of men.
All Hail the Shepherd King of Rome, the theme of loving song.
Let all the Earth his glory sing And heav'n the strain prolong.
Let all the Earth his glory sing And heav'n the strain prolong.
2. Beleaguered by the foes of Earth, beset by hosts of hell,
He guards the loyal flock of Christ, A watchful sentinel.
And yet, amid the the din and strife, the clash of mace and sword,
He bears alone the shepherd staff; The champion of the Lord.
He bears alone the shepherd staff; The champion of the Lord.
3. His signet is the Fishermans's; No scepter does he bear;
In meek and lowly majesty He rules from Peter's chair
And yet from ev'ry tribe and tounge, From ev'ry clime and zone,
One thousand million voices sing, The glory of his throne
One thousand million voices sing, The glory of his throne.
4. Then raise the chant, with heart and voice, In church and school and home
"Long live the Shepherd of the Flock! Long live the Pope of Rome!"
Almighty Father, bless his work, Protect him in his ways,
Recieve his prayers, fullfill his hopes and grant him lenght of days."
"Recieve his prayers, fullfill his hopes and grant him lenght of days."
There is speculation that the next pope will come from the United States or Canada. Not likely. Given the scandals that have taken place in the United States, some are speculating that the next pontiff will come from Europe, Africa or South America. The odds of a pope coming from the US? Try 100,000,000:1. Image the money that one could collect if they took that bet and won.
Thursday at 2 p.m., when school children in the Eastern time zone of the United States are preparing to end their school day, the only pope they have ever known will step down and will live in the Papal Summer home for two months. Benedict XVI will be no more. The search for the next pope will begin but the scandals still remain. The conclave will take place and there will be that traditional white smoke that will signal to Catholics worldwide that there is a new leader in the Vatican.
(Text courtesy The Saint Michael Hymnal)
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