Controversy surrounds Pope’s resignationFor those of you currently living under a rock; Pope Benedict XVI recently announced his resignation. I suppose my first question is: If you’re living under a rock how did you get access to The Etownian? My second question is more along the lines of what this article means to investigate: Why did the Pope retire? Is it simply because of health reasons? Many skeptics are incredulous regarding the reasons he stated for his resignation. I am one of these skeptics.
Before I begin to shine a negative light on modern-day Catholicism, I would first like to paint Christianity, my own religion, in an equally negative light. Although Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity, when I reference “Christians” I am generally referring to evangelical, fundamentalist Christians. The reason I preface this article with a criticism of Christianity is simple: I realize people of all religious affiliations are not proud of actions that have been committed throughout history in the name of their religion. My religion can be thanked for abortion clinic bombings, homophobia, military funeral protests and a general history of judgmentalism. Good job, Christians.
Pope Benedict XVI has been in a position of great authority for the past seven, almost eight years. During his time in a role of great spiritual and secular authority, Benedict has done little to address the crisis of sexual abuse facing the Catholic Church. Over the past twenty years, the Catholic Church has paid over $2 billion in settlements involving sexual abuse committed by clergy members. The response by the Catholic Church has been to systematically conceal sexual abuse crimes around the world, and choose to protect the reputation of the Church. Common sense should have kicked in about ten years ago as the number of sexual abuse victims approached over 100; response from the Catholic Church was necessary. It is my opinion that Pope Benedict XVI is not resigning for health reasons. He is resigning because it gets tiring having to cover the tracks of hundreds of sexual predator-priests. Again, common sense should have advised anyone against the prohibition of men to have sex (Catholic priests are required to take a vow of celibacy). I am no expert and I am certainly not suggesting that sex is the answer to the decades-old problem of sexual abuse within the Church, but celibacy cannot be healthy.
At first glance, I viewed Pope Benedict XVI as a coward for resigning. However, after careful evaluation concerning the implications of his resignation, I now hold to the belief that this may be the most honorable thing the man has done. Considering his inability to respond effectively to the sexual abuse crisis facing the church and the hundreds of victims demanding action, perhaps a more able candidate will take over the reins and accomplish positive change. My first suggestion would be Barack Obama as he is apparently an extreme advocate for “Change,” but he seems to have his hands tied currently. In all seriousness, the individual chosen to step into the blemished title of pope will have to be shown some grace and time to prove his worth. We must not attack the title of pope simply because Pope Benedict XVI has done little under the title. Faith in the Catholic Church has been shaken as a result of these recent scandals. The new leader of this religious institution must finally regain the image Catholicism has meant to project. As a result of my relationships with Catholics, I still have faith in the Catholic Church to return to its great splendor. I have hope that it will eventually become a place recognized for its attributes of compassion and love. In fact, I have more hope for the future of Catholicism as a direct result of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation.