papal resignation Archives

Benedict XVI hits back at critics in leaked letters

Sep 20, 2018

In a series of letters leaked to the press, retired Pope Benedict XVI chastised a German cardinal for criticizing his decision to resign from the papacy, saying an understandable pain as a result of the move has turned into “anger” against him, and has devalued his papacy.

Resignation letter prepared by Blessed Paul VI published

Thirteen years before his death, Blessed Paul VI had written to the dean of the College of Cardinals to say that if he were to become seriously ill or impeded from exercising his ministry, the dean and other top cardinals in Rome should accept his resignation.

Pope Francis says he hopes for the grace to know when to quit
- Vatican
- May 15, 2018
Pope Francis on Tuesday said he thinks about the time he might be called to step down from his role as bishop, citing the example of St. Paul leaving Ephesus.
READ MORE
Anniversary musings on Benedict and the normalization of resignation
- News Analysis
- Feb 15, 2018
When Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation on Feb. 11, 2013, it left many people shocked and worried about the future, but now the idea of a pope emeritus seems basically normal.
READ MORE
On popes and the problem with preemptive resignation
- Analysis
- Aug 27, 2017
Following confirmation this week that Pope Paul VI wrote resignation letters in advance in case he was struck by a disabling condition, debate is likely to revive about whether such a preemptive resignation would be valid under Church law. Until that’s resolved, we’re sort of like people driving around without car insurance – gambling the worst won’t happen, but always knowing it could.
READ MORE