I can't figure out how to attach an audio file to this post, but Fr. James Hudgins has some salient points about the papal resignation that I've found helpful and worth sharing:
1) This has happened 5 times before, though this is the first time a pope has resigned for health reasons. Fr. H suggests this may not be the only time we see this in our modern era. Being pope now requires a distinctly modern ability to move quickly, physically and mentally- think Twitter and jet planes. Pope Benedict XVI is
older than John Paul II was when he died. He clearly feels he is not up to the pace required of him.
2) This is happening in the form of a total out-of-the-blue surprise, which is the ideal way it should happen. Force, pressure, public scandal are not ideal ways to leave a papacy. He made this decision freely.
3)What's going to happen to Benedict when he steps down? He will probably disappear completely from the public eye, and chances are he will go live with his brother.
And finally, from the beginning, every detail of God's plan has unfolded just the way He wished.
These are interesting thoughts. Thanks, Fr. H., for providing them.
