Tag Archives: Benedict

Benedict XVI.: schedule of events and meetings for the remaining days

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In about two weeks time, Pope Benedict’s pontificate will be history: But before that the Pope is gone on 28th February, he has yet to fulfill one’s duties. An overview.

Thursday, February 14: Morning meeting with the Roman clergy in the Vatican audience hall. The Pope responds to questions the priest ask him on this occasion or speaks without notes.
Friday, February 15: Reception of Romanian President Traian Basescu in a private audience. Also: Meeting with Italian Bishops.
Saturday, February 16: Reception of the President of Guatemala, Otto Fernando Pérez Molina. Besides: Reception with Italian Bishops. Also: Pope Benedict XVI. meets Prime Minister Mario Monti.
Sunday, February 17: At 12 clock penultimate noon Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square. In the evening, the beginning of Lent retreat of the Curia – traditionally no public appearances during the following week, no services and no general audience.
Friday, February 22: The Pope addresses a few words of thanks at the end of the fast retreat of the Curia.
Saturday, February 23: Benedict meets Italian President Giorgio Napolitano for an audience.
Sunday, February 24: Last Angelus at 12 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square.
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Pope Benedict XVI received with cheers and applause

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Pope thanks the faithful

Two days after his historic resignation announcement, the Pope showed up publicly on Wednesday again. He thanked the faithful for prayers and great sympathy. “I have felt  love for me the  in these days”, said the outgoing head of the church in a short speech before the General Audience in Rome.

Benedict reiterated the reasons which led to his decision. The decision was made in “full freedom” for the good of the Church, Benedict stressed before thousands of faithful in the Nervi Hall. He had become aware that he could no longer continue papacy with the necessary power.

“Continue to pray for the Pope and the Church”

He had decided to resign, “long after I prayed and examined my conscience before God. I am aware of the gravity of this process, but at the same time I realize that I am no longer in a position to exercise the Petrine ministry with the power that demands it”, the Pope said.

He is encourage by the certainty that the Church belongs to Christ, who never lacked guidance and care. “I thank everyone for the love and prayer with which they have been with me. Continue to pray for the Pope and for the Church! I felt the power of prayer in those for me physically challenging days, “the Pope said.

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Only one resignation so far

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Resignation is possible under Canon Law

Pope Benedict XVI. is only the second pope, who is retiring in about two millennia of Church history. Coelestin V. had previously resigned in 1294, after only a few months in office voluntarily. He died in captivity in 1296 .

A pope is elected for life, but according to canon law, a resignation is also possible . The head of the church does not even require to give reasons. Also, no one needs to accept the resignation specifically. It is crucial, however, that the decision to withdraw is entirely voluntary. The in 1983 by John Paul II reformed Canon Law (Can. 332nd Clause 2) states: “If it happens that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that the resignation is made freely and properly manifested but not that it is accepted by anyone.”

However, before Pope Benedict XVI there is known only one voluntary resignation. Pope Coelestin V. left office Voluntarily on December 13 1294 after only five months. He was overwhelmed. Church historians speak of an unprepared and uneducated hermit who could barely speak Latin. The Cardinals had just elected him pope, because in nearly two years of struggle they could not agree on another competent candidate. Coelestin retired to a monastery after resigning.

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