It has never been impossible for a Pope to step-down from his position, but it is almost unheard of. The last to do so was Pope Gregory XII in 1415, who resigned due to a dispute over who was the true Pope.
The nature of their respective departing mean there are very few similarities to be drawn between Gregory and Benedict, but the 600-year gap between these two historic events says a lot about the Papacy.
Almost since the formation of the Vatican and the appointment of Papal leaders it has been accepted the position is a lifetime appointment, much like a monarchy, with the only previous deviation of Gregory being under extraordinary circumstances.
However, certain modern factors certainly need to be taken into consideration. Firstly people are living longer and medical care is much better. This means there is a much greater chance for a Pope to suffer from degenerative illnesses, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, or even severe health problems such as cancer, where treatment will have a major impact on their working lives.
Secondly, the nature of the church and Papal leadership has changed. This is no longer a religious figurehead, but can more accurately be compared to the chief executive or managing director of a large multinational corporation.
It is perfectly reasonable to say this level of leadership in the age of 24-hour news is physically and emotionally impossible for someone who is suffering with the common afflictions of old-age.
An interesting comparison here can be made with US President Franklin Roosevelt who, like many Popes in Rome, died in office. Despite having been elected to the Whitehouse on numerous occasions and almost staggeringly high approval ratings the people were shocked when he passed away after a stoke.
Many asked why he had not told the general public about his rapidly diminishing health and this episode in American history led to the creation of the constitutional line of succession and the two-terms only policy. It is perfectly reasonable to argue the day-to-day rigors of being President are not comparable to what a Pope must endure, a common quote from Catholic leaders is the church thinks in centuries, not decades.
However, you must also consider Pope’s are already of an advanced age when they are elected. Benedict was already well into his 70s by the time he became Pope, compared to David Cameron who was just 43 when he became Prime Minister and Barack Obama who was elected President at 47.
In a democracy it would be almost impossible for a person over the retirement age to be elected to the highest office. In the corporate world older people may continue to be involved in the running of a major business, but this will take the form of a less-stressful board membership, while younger people are more directly involved in implementation and execution.
The issue remaining is politicians and business leaders are expected to step-down and retire, while it is accepted the Papacy is a life-long appointment, meaning there is more comparability with a monarch than a President.
In the UK it is incredibly rare for a King or Queen to abdicate and, although there are examples of it happening, the same can be said for all kingdoms across the world.
One of the biggest issues raised following Benedict’s resignation is his influence over who will be his successor, a problem never before faced by the Conclave of Cardinals. Similarly, whoever they choose will have to lead despite his predecessor still being alive, another conundrum never before faced by the church.
The fact this is the first time a Pope has stepped-down for health reason is a complete paradigm shift and one which may become increasingly common for future generations. It could be argued Benedict’s lasting legacy will be Pope’s will no longer be expected to hold office until death and will allow for much younger people to take the reins of one of the largest organised groups in the world, but is this necessarily true.
Benedict’s predecessor, John Paul II was evidently unwell and frail during his final years at the Vatican, but this made his position arguably stronger as an elder statesman and as somebody able to lend both a theological and historical perspective. However, it must also be accepted John Paul was a beloved Pope and a very charismatic leader, characteristics which do not necessarily lend themselves as well to his successor.
In the wake of Benedict’s announcement, many have suggested resignation may become the norm for future Pope’s and this is certainly not impossible and may in fact be beneficial for the church. However, realistically what Benedict has achieved is to open this door as a realistic exit strategy.
Yes, it is likely in the future a Pope resigning will be more common place, but there is certainly no reason to suggest it will become the norm. After all, those elected Pope see their selection as the choice of God, not of the Cardinals.
What this eventually comes down to is another example of the Catholic church modernising itself to be more in line with global democratic principles and the development of itself as a corporate entity, where an aging man can no longer be expected to look after both the spiritual health of its followers and maintain the complex organisation structure of a multinational organisation.
Has Benedict fundamentally changed the nature of the Papacy? Almost certainly yes. Will his successors similarly resign?
Almost, certainly no. It is impossible to say whether the next Pope will leave under similar circumstances, but what Benedict has done is remove an historical barrier allowing those following him to leave in this manner if they feel unable to execute the office.
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