A New Era for the Archdiocese of New York: Pope Leo XIV Accepts Cardinal Dolan's Resignation and Appoints Bishop Ronald Hicks
On December 17, 2025, reports confirmed that Pope Leo XIV is set to accept the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Archbishop of New York and appoint Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, as his successor. The announcement is expected as early as December 18, marking the end of Dolan's 16-year tenure leading one of the most prominent Catholic archdioceses in the United States, which serves approximately 2.8 million Catholics across nearly 300 parishes.
This transition comes at a pivotal moment for the archdiocese, which has faced significant challenges including declining attendance, parish consolidations, and the ongoing fallout from clergy abuse scandals—culminating in a major financial settlement announced just weeks ago.
Biography of Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Timothy Michael Dolan was born on February 6, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, the eldest of five children. Ordained a priest in 1976, he earned a doctorate in American Church history and served in various pastoral and academic roles, including as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome from 1994 to 2001.
Dolan was appointed Archbishop of Milwaukee in 2002, where he navigated early waves of the clergy abuse crisis, before being named Archbishop of New York in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI. Elevated to cardinal in 2012, Dolan became known for his charismatic media presence, humor, and outreach efforts, serving as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2010 to 2013. He turned 75 in February 2025, submitting his mandatory resignation as required by canon law.
Biography of Bishop Ronald Hicks
Ronald Aldon Hicks, born August 4, 1967, in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in nearby South Holland, brings a Midwestern pastoral style to the role. After graduating from Quigley Preparatory Seminary, he volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico before earning degrees from Loyola University Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake.
Ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1994, Hicks served in parishes, spent time in missionary work in El Salvador, and rose to vicar general under Cardinal Blase Cupich. He was named auxiliary bishop of Chicago in 2018 and installed as Bishop of Joliet in 2020. At 58, Hicks is fluent in Spanish, experienced in immigrant ministry, and noted for his collaborative leadership—qualities that align with Pope Leo XIV's own Chicago-area roots and missionary background.
Challenges and Decline During Cardinal Dolan's Tenure
Cardinal Dolan's leadership coincided with broader trends affecting U.S. Catholicism, including declining Mass attendance, fewer vocations, and demographic shifts in urban areas. The Archdiocese of New York has seen numerous parish mergers and school closures; for instance, in 2012, 26 schools were identified as at risk. To address financial pressures, the archdiocese sold properties, reduced staff, and cut budgets.
The clergy sexual abuse crisis has been a defining challenge. Just days ago, on December 8-9, 2025, the archdiocese announced plans for a $300 million+ global settlement to resolve approximately 1,300 claims from survivors, funded through asset sales (including high-profile real estate) and operational cuts. This follows years of litigation under New York's Child Victims Act and reflects the heavy toll of past scandals on the archdiocese's resources and reputation.
While Dolan was praised for his public engagement and efforts to renew evangelization, these issues have contributed to a sense among some observers that the archdiocese has contracted in influence and vitality during his era.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Bishop Hicks signals Pope Leo XIV's preference for pastors with missionary experience and ties to diverse communities. As New York Catholics prepare for this change, many hope the new archbishop will bring fresh energy to revitalizing the faith in a challenging secular environment.
Sources:
- The Pillar: "Confirmed: Joliet's Bishop Hicks to NYC" (December 16, 2025)
- FOX 5 New York: Reports on Dolan's resignation and Hicks appointment (December 16-17, 2025)
In a surprising move, Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, who was under investigation by the Vatican for allegations of abuse cover-up and financial mismanagement. Stika, 65, announced his decision on June 27, 2023, citing health issues as the reason for his early retirement. He was the longest-serving bishop in Eastern Tennessee, having been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
However, Stika's tenure has been marred by controversy and scandal, especially in the last two years. He has been accused of protecting and financing Wojciech Sobczuk, a former seminarian who allegedly raped a parish organist and another seminarian. Stika admitted to The Pillar that he interfered with a diocesan review board investigation into the case, claiming that he knew Sobczuk was innocent and that the organist was lying. He also removed an investigator appointed by the review board and replaced him with one who interviewed only Sobczuk before filing a report.
The organist has since filed a lawsuit against Stika and the diocese, alleging that they failed to protect him from Sobczuk's repeated assaults and that they retaliated against him for reporting the abuse. The lawsuit also claims that Stika used diocesan funds to pay for Sobczuk's tuition at St. Louis University, where he enrolled after being dismissed from the seminary. The Pillar reported that Stika had given Sobczuk thousands of dollars in diocesan funds while he was a seminarian, exceeding the stipend of other seminarians and providing for his trips, laptops, and car repairs.
Stika has also faced criticism for his financial management of the diocese, which has been plagued by debt and deficits. He has been accused of overspending on projects such as the construction of a new cathedral and a shrine to St. John Paul II, while neglecting the needs of parishes and schools. He has also been accused of bullying and harassing his priests and staff, creating a climate of fear and mistrust in the diocese.
The Vatican ordered an investigation into Stika's leadership in April 2021, under the norms of Vos estis lux mundi, Pope Francis' 2019 document on handling cases of abuse and cover-up by bishops. The investigation was conducted by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, Kentucky, who was appointed as apostolic administrator of Knoxville after Stika's resignation. According to sources close to the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Francis decided to request Stika's resignation after reviewing the results of the investigation in May 2021.
It is not clear whether Stika agreed to resign voluntarily or whether he was pressured by the Vatican to do so. In his statement, he said he made his decision "during a time when our Scripture readings, found in Acts of the Apostles, focused on the turbulent growth of the Church." He added: "Reading Scripture is good. It reminds us that the Church isn't perfect—it's human, but it continues to grow in goodness, thanks be to God."
Stika's resignation is a rare occurrence in the U.S. Church, where bishops usually serve until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 75. It is also a sign of Pope Francis' commitment to holding bishops accountable for their actions or inactions regarding cases of abuse and cover-up in their dioceses.
What do you think? Post your comment below on Disqus. Be sure to follow the rules so your comment can go through.
Sources:
Vatican to ask Stika for resignation - pillarcatholic.com
Bishop Stika of Knoxville resigns early amid Vatican investigation into abuse cover-up and financial mismanagement | America Magazine
Pope Francis accepts resignation of Knoxville Bishop Rick Stika
Vatican accepts early resignation of 65-year-old Bishop Stika of Knoxville, Tenn.
Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville and Appoints Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre as Apostolic Administrator
According to a The London Times report, Antonio Socci, a journalist and Catholic author says that there are twelve cardinals who want the pope to resign. These cardinals supported his election in March of 2013, but now feel that the pope is causing too much schism which will harm the institutional Church. Socci said, "A large part of the cardinals who voted for him is very worried and the curia ... that organized his election and has accompanied him thus far, without ever disassociating itself from him, is cultivationg {sic} the idea of a moral suasion to convince him to retire..."
Ironically, the cardinals who apparently wish for the pope to resign are considered "liberal" and have supported him in many of the controversial ideas being presented now. They prefer Cardinal Pietro Parolin who is currently the Vatican Secretary of State to take his place. There is no shocking news that there is division in the Church. Since Pope Francis began releasing encyclicals, exhortations and "off-the-cuff" remarks, Catholics have been fighting among each other. I myself have lost online and offline friends due to this drama. Never before in my life have I seen Catholics divided in the same way Americans are divided between Republicans and Democrats with each claiming to be more Catholic than the other.
In any event, this news is not confirmed as of yet. It is solely a piece from journalist Antonio Socci. He has not offered any evidence to back up his claims so readers can make up their own minds about this story. Hopefully, it is not true. We need to pray for the pope and our cardinals, bishops etc. Satan's smoke is filling up the dome at St. Peter's!!!
Some of you have been asking me what are my thoughts on the St. Patrick's parade and Cardinal Dolan "scandal." I often remain neutral until I see all the facts. Once I do, I then give my thoughts on the situation. Well here it goes...
For those of you who haven't kept up with this situation; basically, the St. Patrick's day parade committee of New York decided to allow a gay group to march in the parade under their own banner. For decades any group representing a political ideology were banned from march, including Pro-life groups. You can read more here: http://www.sacerdotus.com/2014/09/rainbow-beats-green.html
This decision to allow a gay group to march was called a "wise decision" by Cardinal Dolan who is the Archbishop of New York. He was also named the Grand Marshal for the 2015 parade and accepted with pride. This angered some in the Catholic blogosphere, especially those who take a more "conservative" "traditional" approach to Catholicism. Here are some of the blog links, tweets and even an angry judgmental video I found of reactionary Michael Voris who is banned in many dioceses from speaking.
@CardinalDolan what an inane piece of drivel. Let your Yes be your Yes and your No be your No anything else is from the evil one.
— Stephen B (@holdencaul) September 17, 2014
Go ahead @CardinalDolan, be Grand Marshal of the big gay parade. This Irish Catholic is shaking the dust from her sandals and moving on.
— OpenlyCatholic (@OpenlyCatholic) September 17, 2014
Congrats to Cardinal Dolan who is expected to be named Grand Marshal at the 2016 Planned Parenthood St. Patrick's Day Gay Pride Parade.
— Eye of the Tiber (@EyeOfTheTiber) September 11, 2014
Boy Cardinal Dolan has sure upset many people has he not??
Michael Voris went too far calling Cardinal Dolan "wicked" and that he's in the "grip of the devil." I guess he - who has a degree in theology - missed the part of the Catechism that talks about Rash Judgment. What he represents is not Catholicism but his own personal views. He is a reactionary polemicist and not a Catholic evangelist. Moreover, all these bloggers and columnists are overreacting to the situation. Cardinal Dolan is not endorsing the LGBT lifestyle by being the Grand Marshal anymore than Pope Benedict XVI endorsed Communism & Atheism by being photographed with Fidel Castro.
These Catholic bloggers have a right to their own opinions and also a duty to voice their concern to their pastors:
Canon Law 212 §3. According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.
However, they do not have a right to dictate whether or not a pastor is Catholic, nor judge him as being "wicked" or in the "grip of the devil." Comments calling Cardinal Dolan a "liberal," "wicked bishop," or "unfit to be a successor of the Apostles" are totally uncalled for and unchristian. It is embarrassing to me as a Catholic reading these attacks against one of the princes of the Church who is merely performing his ministry of being a shepherd. I understand the concern these Catholics have with the Cardinal's presence in the parade as a gay group marches and also understand that his words may have been interpreted as an endorsement of the LGBT lifestyle; however, this doesn't mean the sheep must become rabid and bite the shepherd.
The problem here is that these writers do not understand what the Cardinal is trying to do. Like a pastor, he is reaching out to those lost sheep who fell away due to personal sin and what not. He is echoing the example of Pope Francis who said, "If someone is gay and seeking the Lord, who am I to judge?" To my knowledge, this gay group that is marching will not be endorsing their lifestyle. There will be no gay floats with strippers nearly naked with their buttocks out, or sexually toned displays as seen in Gay Pride parades worldwide. These people will simply march with OutNBC banners.
Many of these bloggers argue that the allowance of these LGBT people will tarnish the image of St. Patrick or take away from the saint's holiness and heroic life; however, to my knowledge the St. Patrick's day parade is a celebration of Irish heritage and is not a Catholic celebration. There are no Rosaries prayed along the route, no processions with the relics of the saint, no litanies, no bishops in choir or religious banners. The parade simply has men in kilts with bagpipes, members of different schools marching, marching bands, men & women in uniform and a few floats from sponsors. There is no retelling of the St. Patrick legends, nor any catechesis offered. For all intent and purposes, this parade is a secular parade. The archbishop of New York has no say in the parade at all. Moreover, let me add that I found the participation of the Catholic League odd because of the parade's previous no political group stance since the Catholic League does present itself as a conservative group.
Anyhow, being Catholic does not mean that we have to treat non-Catholics or those who do not live as we do like social pariahs. This is far from what Christ wanted. We cannot be like the Pharisees who only had an elite group of Jews who they believed were in God's favor while the others were pieces of garbage lying in the street. Jesus ate and drank with the sinners and sought the pariahs of His time even though they were not in conformity with Jewish law (Mark 2:13-17). It is embarrassing that many times even atheists and gay people themselves have to remind Christians of this.
Our Holy Father has warned us all not to fall into Catholic Triumphalism. We must not go about with head held high believing Catholics are the best. As human beings, we all have fallen short of the grace of God and should not boast even though we may have the fullness of the truth in the Catholic Church (Romans 3:23).
To the Catholics protesting Cardinal Dolan I say: gays are our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, cousins and nephews. They are everywhere whether we want to admit it or not. Most importantly, they are children of God and deserve our love, respect and welcome. Who are we to judge? Which one of us is fit to throw stones at Cardinal Dolan or the LGBT community? Jesus asked the same question to those who thought they held the power to judge the moral character and salvation status of others (John 8:7). He questioned those who thought they had the authority to be judge, jury and executioner. In reality, if we had the right to throw stones at others because of their sins then we all would be comatose right about now because each one of us is a sinner!
The catechism calls us to love homosexuals and be welcoming of them. Homosexuality is NOT a sin, homosexual acts are. Identifying oneself as homosexual is not a sin, therefore a gay group marching at the parade identifying themselves as Irish homosexuals is not immoral.
CCC 2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.
In my opinion, Cardinal Dolan did nothing wrong and followed what the Catechism says: "Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." We as Catholics are sinners and must be open to other sinners. How many of us go to Mass and then go home and do everything contrary to Catholicism? How dare we judge others who do not go to Mass and may publicly do everything contrary to Catholicism? We do the same thing with the only difference that we are within the Catholic Church. This is because we all are sinners, but Catholics who practice their faith chose to do something about this spiritual condition. We must invite others, including the LGBT to do something about their spiritual condition and join us in the clinic of salvation - the Church- where the doctor Jesus Christ is present to heal our wounds and the wounds sin has caused us. We must meet them where they are at in the journey as Pope Francis has stressed many times.
1 Peter 4:8 says: "Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins." This is what Cardinal Dolan and Pope Francis are doing and are giving us an example to do. We must use love to cover the "multitude of sins" often publicly demonstrated by the LGBT without shame. Love conquers all things including the proudest of sinners (1 Corinthians 13). By showing the LGBT people that we love them instead of treating them as pariahs we will plant the seeds of faith. God will take care of the rest by providing His transforming grace upon them. We must not become like the Westboro cult which promotes a psuedo-Christianity full of hate and contempt of people they deem unfit for God. Unfortunately, the bloggers criticizing Cardinal Dolan are falling into this false Christianity by believing that being Catholic means one must set up a barrier that pushes others away. Moreover, they have disrespected the authority of our pastors by positing rash judgments based on an exaggerated Catholic zeal and misunderstanding that flirts with Catholic Triumphalism.
They have failed at obeying Canon law 212:
Can. 212 §1. Conscious of their own responsibility, the Christian faithful are bound to follow with Christian obedience those things which the sacred pastors, inasmuch as they represent Christ, declare as teachers of the faith or establish as rulers of the Church.
What Cardinal Dolan is doing is described in this Canon law. He is representing Christ by walking with the sinners and sharing God's love to them reminding them that they are always welcomed to come back. St. Patrick did the same. Those bloggers who claim gays marching in the parade dishonor St. Patrick do not understand his work. St. Patrick went out to the "pariahs" of his day: the Druids. The Druids were the Pagans who populated Ireland. They believed all kinds of strange myths and practiced many rituals. Some historians believe that homosexuality was part of these religious rituals (Hughes, 50-51). However, St. Patrick comes along and does not tell them to go away, but converts them. He walks among them preaching to them Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Imagine if St. Patrick did as these Catholic bloggers suggest Cardinal Dolan do and reject the Druids and only stick with his own kind (Catholics), what would have been the outcome of Ireland? Instead, St. Patrick went to them. He took on the "scent of the sheep" as Pope Francis has said pastors must do today. He went "duc in altum" or "out into the deep (Luke 5:4)" where the light hardly touches and went to fish out the Pagans and bring them to the light of Christ.
Cardinal Dolan is no different. As a shepherd, he is going "out into the deep" to fish. He explained it well on his blog:
September 17, 2014Explaining My Decision to Serve as Grand MarshalI haven’t been in this much hot water since I made the comment, right after I arrived as your archbishop five-and-a-half years ago, that Stan Musial—my boyhood hero of my hometown St. Louis Cardinals—was a much better ballplayer than Joe DiMaggio! Now I’m getting as much fiery mail and public criticism over my decision to accept the honor of Grand Marshal of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. According to the critics, I should have refused, due to the Parade Committee’s decision to allow a group of self-identified Gays of Irish ancestry to march in the parade with their own banner. As with Stan Musial, I’ll stand by my decision. However, enough of you have courteously expressed some confusion and dismay, that, as your pastor, I owe you an explanation. Let me try. For one, the decision to change the parade protocol was not mine. The archbishops of New York have never been “in charge” of the parade. Although my predecessors and I have always enjoyed friendly cooperation with the Parade Committee—and still do—and deeply appreciate the identity of the Parade as a celebration purely of Irish heritage, intimately linked to the Catholic Faith, we’ve never had a say in Parade policy or the choice of the Grand Marshal. Nor did we expect or want one! So, in the current “brawl,” (they have been hardly rare in the Parade’s grand 253-year history!), I did not make the decision! You will recall that I in the past often expressed support for the former policy—that the only banners and identification to be carried was that the group was Irish—and that I found it logical and fair. To those who charged that the policy was “anti-Gay,” I often observed that no one person, Gay or not, was excluded from the parade. This was simply a reasonable policy about banners and public identification, not about the sexual inclinations of participants. I did not oppose the former policy; nor did I push, condone, or oppose the new one. While the Parade committee was considerate in advising me of the change, they did not ask my approval, nor did they need to. However, I admit that, for most folks, this is not the reason they are upset with me, and this brings us to point two. Many of you, while acknowledging that the decision to change policy was not mine, feel strongly that I should protest it, publicly condemn it, no longer support the Parade, and refuse the invitation to serve as Grand Marshal. While a handful have been less than charitable in their reactions, I must admit that many of you have rather thoughtful reasons for criticizing the committee’s decision: you observe that the former policy was fair; you worry that this is but another example of a capitulation to an “aggressive Gay agenda,” which still will not appease their demands; and you wonder if this could make people think the Church no longer has a clear teaching on the nature of human sexuality. Thank you for letting me know of such concerns. I share some of them. However, the most important question I had to ask myself was this: does the new policy violate Catholic faith or morals? If it does, then the Committee has compromised the integrity of the Parade, and I must object and refuse to participate or support it. From my review, it does not. Catholic teaching is clear: “being Gay” is not a sin, nor contrary to God’s revealed morals. Homosexual actions are—as are any sexual relations outside of the lifelong, faithful, loving, lifegiving bond of a man and woman in marriage—a moral teaching grounded in the Bible, reflected in nature, and faithfully taught by the Church. So, while actions are immoral, identity is not! In fact, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, people with same-sex attraction are God’s children, deserving dignity and respect, never to be treated with discrimination or injustice. To the point: the committee’s decision allows a group to publicize its identity, not promote actions contrary to the values of the Church that are such an essential part of Irish culture. I have been assured that the new group marching is not promoting an agenda contrary to Church teaching, but simply identifying themselves as “Gay people of Irish ancestry.” If the Parade Committee allowed a group to publicize its advocacy of any actions contrary to Church teaching, I’d object. As Cardinal John O’Connor remarked, we do not change the Creed—and I’d add, the Ten Commandments—to satisfy political correctness. In fact, the leaders of the Parade Committee tried to be admirably sensitive to Church teaching. They worried that the former policy was being interpreted as bias, exclusion, and discrimination against a group in our city, which, if true, would also be contrary to Church teaching. While they were quick to acknowledge that, in reality, the policy was not unfair at all, they were also realistic in worrying that the public perception was the opposite, no matter how often they tried to explain its coherence and fairness. I found their sensitivity wise, and publicly said so. If, in doing so, I have shown an insensitivity to you, I apologize. I share the hope of the organizers that the March 17th parade will be loyal to its proud heritage of celebrating Irish identity, culture, and contributions—all a beautiful part of Catholicism— thus bringing this great community together in unity and festivity, and look forward to leading it as Grand Marshal.
Phil Lawler, Pat Archbold, Michael Voris et al do not understand what it means to be a Catholic pastor. They are simply laymen who see the Church through the layman's eye. Their pride in their interpretation of the Catholic faith blinds them to God's attempt to call everyone home via the shepherds of the Church. The very fact that they give themselves the post of deciding who is a "true successor of the Apostles" demonstrates this pride that paves the path to a blind faith based on adherence to what they deem "traditional" or "conservative." As Mother Angelica of EWTN once said, "I don't want to be conservative and I don't want to be liberal. I want to be Catholic (Arroyo, 209)" We are supposed to be simply Catholic welcoming others to the faith, not creating our own secret social club where no one who fits our measuring stick can enter.
Deal Hudson does not understand friendship. Being a friend does not mean one must espouse their cause. This is never what is expected of any friend. "Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies" as philosopher Aristotle described. Cardinal Dolan is not espousing the cause of the LGBT by being welcoming. Do I have to stop being friends with Gays, Atheists, Protestants, Muslims, Feminists because we do not share the same cause? No, of course not! It is via our friendship that we share love which hopefully will open hearts to God and His will, God who is love (1 John 4:8).
Let us welcome with open arms all of God's children: those within the Church and those who for now do not want part of her. Let God be the judge and instead, let us focus on making our case before this judge when we meet Him face to face instead of deciding the cases of others in this world.
As I learned the news that Pope Benedict XVI resigned I was in shock like probably most of you reading this were.
How can the Pope resign? It is the Year of Faith! He hasn't even finished his encyclical that was supposed to be released at the close of the year.
The Cardinals and Vatican staff were even shocked when Pope Benedict XVI announced his retirement.
Before I give you my thoughts on the recent events, I want to briefly address a few things circling the media and internet:
Resignation means Scandal?
Naturally, in today's world full of scandals, the words "resign" has taken a more negative meaning. When we hear that word, we often think of scandal. President Richard Nixon resigned after the Watergate scandals. Cardinal Law of Boston resigned over his handling of the sex abuse scandals. A mere Google search of the words "resigned" or "resignation" will bring about many links, most which deal with corruption, scandal, or just criminal acts. I think this is the reason the media used the word in covering the story as opposed to using retiring. They wanted to get this negative attention and arouse/insinuate wrongdoing on the part of the Pope. If the Pope resigns, then he must be doing something bad or did something bad and is stepping down [media logic]. Since his election in 2005, the media has tried to label Ratzinger as a criminal who moved priests around and who commanded that sex abuse crimes not be reported to the authorities. They even tried to link him with Hitler and the Nazis. A close examination of the facts shows this is not the case at all.
The Pope is Gay
Moreover, reports even surfaced that the Pope was homosexual because he happen to have Monsignor (now Archbishop) Georg Ganswein as his secretary. In the Italian media, Archbishop Ganswein is portrayed as a "sexy priest." He was even put on the front cover of the magazine Vanity Fair. Furthermore, the fact that he is moving in with the Pope after retirement is raising eyebrows in the liberal media and in homosexual circles. This of course is nonsense.
What is wrong with having a secretary assist you?
What is wrong with a male having a male secretary?
He knows the Pope well and is his right hand. Who else is more appropriate to be there assisting Pope Benedict XVI during his retirement? The Pope needs a familiar person around him to help him, speak for him and help him with whatever correspondence he encounters. The LGBT community wants to make everyone gay...
First, the Pope cannot be arrested period, anymore than the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom can arrest President Obama. Dawkins tried to have the Pope arrested when the Pope visited the United Kingdom but failed because it is legally impossible and no crimes were committed by the accused.
Second, the Pope committed no crime.
Third, the Pope will be living in Vatican city, so he has no need to get immunity from the Italian officials. Vatican City is a sovereign nation state.
Moreover, any attempt to arrest the Pope will bring about billions of angry Catholics. I seriously do not believe politicians would risk doing this bad publicity stunt.
"Vatileaks"
With the butler scandal, some speculate that the butler found out many things that eventually led to the resignation of the Pope. Again, this is not true. The Pope pardon him basically erasing his 18 month sentence. Moreover, the leaks did not contain anything out of the usual in regards to running an institution with different human personalities at hand. If the leaks mentioned that the Pope was homosexual or other damaging information, why would the Pope pardon him allowing him to walk free and be able to write books and talk to the media? This is again the media trying to find a story to publish.
My thoughts
The news of the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI brought a lot of sadness to me. I remember being at the Oratory in Toronto with other seminarians crowded around a sofa watching the "Habemus Papam" announcement and hearing the named "Josef Ratizinger" as the choice. We all erupted with shouts of joy. Within a few seconds, Ratzinger appeared out the Papal balcony with a humble smile, visibly nervous and obviously dressed in a rush since he still had black sleeves underneath the papal cassock and his mozzetta was a bit small for him and wrinkled. I still get goosebumps when I watch the video on youtube. Pope John Paul II was and is a strong presence in the Church. Who could have continued the Papacy after the mark that he left? Well, God doesn't let us down, he gave us "Papa Razi."
As an atheist, I heard a lot about Ratzinger as "God's rottweiler " He was supposed to be this mean old conservative dude who went after those who disagreed with the Church. As I got closer to the Church, I learned that this was not so. I saw Ratzinger as an intellectual who articulately wrote and spoke on God and the Catholic faith. My first book authored by him was, "Introduction to Christianity." I had to read chapters a few times over in order to understand because he is a very deep coherent thinker. He is a genius in every sense of the word. I continue to read his books and have his 3 book Jesus of Nazareth series which are a must have for every Christian and those interested in Jesus Christ for spiritual or academic reasons.
Ratzinger is a very humble man. I heard many stories of him as a Cardinal. He walked around Rome praying the Rosary and lived in a simple apartment. One thing I found in common with him is his love for books. St. Francis of Assisi for a while turned me off because he did not want friars owning books. To me this is a sin - shame on Francis. I love books and have thousands of them. Reading is extremely important and I stress this to my nephews and younger cousins today. Learning that Ratzinger wanted his personal library moved first into the Vatican brought a smile to my face because I requested the same thing when moving for my studies. So in him I found a fellow bookworm.
When elected Pope, Ratzinger - now Pope Benedict XVI said,
"Dear Brothers and Sisters, After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord."
He is indeed true to his words. His retirement shows this humility. He knows his limitations and knows that the Papacy and Church are bigger than the man representing them. Some Catholics and even anti-Catholics began quoting Philippians 4:13 against the Pope's decision which says:
" I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
They insinuated that the Pope did not trust "Him" who is Christ. If Christ gives us the strength to do anything, then why is the Pope retiring due to his age? The question is a valid one but does not take into account that Christ may not give strength for every thing. God is not some cosmic genie granting wishes to man. He has a purpose for each of us and gives us the appropriate grace to complete whatever purpose He ordained; granted we accept to fulfill it.
The Pope felt that God wanted him to give the Papacy over to someone younger and with more physical strength. This was a decision he freely made via his prayer life. It shows extreme humility that he would give up this powerful position in order to live a life of prayer and service. How many of us would give up the prestige and power of the Papacy? The Pope is indeed the world's most powerful figure. No one gathers the attention of the global people and media than the Pope. To Ratzinger, this meant nothing. All he wanted to be was the "simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord." This shows that Pope Benedict XVI wears the title "His Holiness" literally in his life.
Retiring is not something bad, nor does it mean that one lack's faith God's providence. It simply means that one knows his/her limitations and does not try to do more than he/she can which will lead to pride and vanity. His retirement shows humility. As Cardinal, Ratzinger always wanted to retire to live his days in prayer, study and writing. During an interview with EWTN's Raymond Arroyo, he says that he remained on-board at the Vatican because of Pope John Paul II. He felt he could not retire while the ailing Pope was deteriorating. He was loyal to him even to the point of sacrificing his own ambitions to retire. In a 2010 book, "Light of the World," he was asked about the Pope and the possibility for retirement, Pope Benedict had this to say:
"If a pope clearly realizes that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right, and under some circumstances, also an obligation to resign,"
In Scripture we read this about retirement:
The Lord said to Moses, “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.” - Numbers 8:23-26
God clearly states that Levites over 50 must retire and no longer work. The Levites were priests who assisted at the Tabernacle in the Temple. God continues stating that they can assist their brothers but not do the work. This is what the Pope Emeritus is doing now. He vowed obedience to the new Pope and will continue helping the Church without actually doing the work of the Papacy.
Moses himself passed his authority to Joshua after advancing in age (Numbers 27:18). As you may know, Moses had the staff from which he worked the miracles of God. He obviously could have continued, but he knew his limitations, and respected God's command to let someone else take the helm, so to speak.
In closing, yes Pope Benedict's retirement is one that is a bitter-sweet thing. During his papacy, he did much to weed out corruption and clean the Church of the infestation of sexual perversion. He has restored the correct interpretation of Vatican II, expanded the use of the Tridentine rite, cleaned up the Liturgy, and went after dissidents in seminaries and convents. He found a way to bring Anglicans home, and opened the doors wider for Christian unity. He is a legend in every sense of the word.
Some were claiming that he was a bad choice because of the popularity that Pope John Paul II had; however, God gives each person a particular charism. All Popes cannot be duplicates of Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict XVI had his own special charism via his introverted personality, intellectual demeanor and his humility.
He will truly be missed. I wish him the best and hope he will continue to write. I'm sure the new Pope will seek the advice of the Pope Emeritus.
Enjoy your rest Holy Father. Thank you for your service to the Church as Pope and now as Pope Emeritus.
No this is not a joke, he really did announce his resignation today. I am in complete shock and in sorrow at this moment. Benedict cites his advancing age as the cause for his resignation. He is the first Pope to retire since the middle ages.
Here is his text:
Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he will resign from his duties as Pope on February 28th, 2013.
The full text of the Pope's announcement follows. Please revist this page for more details. A press conference will be held in minutes at the Vatican press office.
Dear Brothers, I have convoked you to this Consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the Church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is. Dear Brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the Holy Church to the care of Our Supreme Pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the Cardinal Fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new Supreme Pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer. From the Vatican, 10 February 2013
I will update this blog post as I learn more.
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The Holy Father, Pope Benedict VXI has decided to resign due to age. He stated in his letter that he is not able to carry on the duties of the Papacy due to a decline in health. Some speculate that he is suffering from a congested heart; however, the Vatican has announced that his resignation is not due to any illness.
This is not the first time the Pope has mentioned retirement. In a 2010 book, "Light of the World," he was asked about the Pope and the possibility for retirement, Pope Benedict had this to say:
"If a pope clearly realizes that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right, and under some circumstances, also an obligation to resign,"
It was obvious that Pope Benedict always had in mind the possibility of retiring. This is not the first time a Pope retires. Pope Gregory XII in 1415 was the last Pontiff to retire.
Dr. Scott Hahn, professor of Theology at Franciscan University had this interesting comment to make on Facebook:
Back on April 29, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI did something rather striking, but which went largely unnoticed.
He stopped off in Aquila, Italy, and visited the tomb of an obscure medieval Pope named St. Celestine V (1215-1296). After a brief prayer, he left his pallium, the symbol of his own episcopal authority as Bishop of Rome, on top of Celestine's tomb!
Fifteen months later, on July 4, 2010, Benedict went out of his way again, this time to visit and pray in the cathedral of Sulmona, near Rome, before the relics of this same saint, Celestine V. Few people, however, noticed at the time. Only now, we may be gaining a better understanding of what it meant. These actions were probably more than pious acts. More likely, they were profound and symbolic gestures of a very personal nature, which conveyed a message that a Pope can hardly deliver any other way. In the year 1294, this man (Fr. Pietro Angelerio), known by all as a devout and holy priest, was elected Pope, somewhat against his will, shortly before his 80th birthday (Ratzinger was 78 when he was elected Pope in 2005). Just five months later, after issuing a formal decree allowing popes to resign (or abdicate, like other rulers), Pope Celestine V exercised that right. And now Pope Benedict XVI has chosen to follow in the footsteps of this venerable model.
This is indeed interesting.
Can a Pope retire? Canon law has this to say:
"If it should happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that he makes the resignation freely and that it be duly manifested, but not that it be accepted by anyone" (Canon 332, No. 2)
It is rumored that Pope Benedict and his brother had planned to retire and live together. The Vatican has stated that Pope Benedict will be living on a monastery in the Vatican.
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