On Monday, February 11, I walked into the house chapel for community prayer a little before 1:00 pm Rome time.  One of my colleagues leaned over to me and asked if I had heard the news that the Pope had announced his resignation.  Given this fellow’s reputation for jokes, I was sure he was just pulling my leg.  But almost immediately I realized that he was quite serious and that in fact the Pope had just resigned.

First reaction: shock, incredulity, anxiety.  Second reaction: Bravo!  After a brief moment of reflection I was struck by the courage, humility and generosity of this decision.  Here is a man who so loves the Church that he would step away from the most powerful and prestigious position because he realizes that he is no longer able to fulfill his role of leadership. He is willing to turn over the reins to someone with more energy and stamina, rather than allow things to drift. It was deeply consoling.

Needless to say, this was all we talked about at lunch and through the rest of the day.  Reactions ranged from gratitude and praise to fear and disapproval.  Some were concerned that this would cause upheaval and confusion in the Church; others felt that it would set a dangerous precedent and perhaps have unforeseen negative consequences.  Most, however, were pleased with the announcement and felt that it offered hope for the Church.

Personally I was, as I said, consoled.  It occurred to me, as purely a personal speculation without any evidence to support this claim, that Pope Benedict wished to avoid what appeared to happen at the end of Pope John Paul II’s papacy.  There was a power vacuum that resulted from JP II’s declining health and strength.  People stepped in to fill that vacuum who probably should not have been allowed to do so.  The resulting internal politicking and power grabbing was not healthy for the Church.

Benedict’s decline, which has become increasingly apparent in these last months, could have led to the same disorder, and there were already signs of divisions and tensions developing, according to Vatican observers.  To save the Church from this, Pope Benedict rightly, wisely, and generously stepped down.

Now the Church can go through the proper process of electing a successor who can take charge of the situation.  In fact, this is a very good thing for the Church, and will avoid months, perhaps even years of uncertainty and confusion.  It is a bold and courageous step.

For those who are concerned that this resignation will signal a disintegration in the Church, I would suggest that quite the opposite is true.  On Facebook Monday, someone was expressing anxiety about the future: “The Pope resigns; what next…?”  My response: “Another Pope.”  And really that’s all this means.  Another Pope will be chosen and the Church will go on.  What direction it will take will depend on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit within the Conclave as the Cardinal-electors decide upon whom to place the mantle of office.  We’ll just have to wait and see who that is.