Pope Benedict's Legacy Corroded by Corruption

By Juan Madrigal
The Poly Post
February 19, 2013

http://www.thepolypost.com/opinion/pope-benedict-s-legacy-corroded-by-corruption/article_8742f4ec-7a3c-11e2-aeed-0019bb30f31a.html


Pope Benedict XVI surprised the entire world on Feb. 11 when he did what no pope had done in almost half a millennium. During a routine morning meeting, he shocked all the Vatican cardinals when he announced his resignation.

Whether people liked Benedict or not, his decision earned him a special place in history books.

Benedict’s papacy has been known for having many tumultuous moments, which have hurt the Catholic Church deeply and unceasingly.

During his papacy, Benedict had to confront all of the allegations and cases of sexual abuse of children by some of the clergy members. This bombshell not only affected those involved and the church, but also Benedict’s ability to effectively lead church leaders.

In fact, all of the sexual abuse scandals cost the Catholic Church more than $2 billion in settlements.

In the eyes of many, he was seen as weak because he did not control those beneath his power.

Since he became pope, Benedict often apologized for the clergies’ actions and he tried his best to reinstate peoples’ faith, but unfortunately the harm committed was too great to regain the lost Catholic followers.

Benedict traveled throughout Europe finding the victims of sexual abuse to offer an apology.

Although Benedict will be remembered for having been the first pope to ever privately meet with sexually abused victims, his apologies came too late.

The problem with this situation is why he did not put a stop to the clergies actions when he could.

So, instead of church leaders being honest and moral about sexual abuse cases, all they did was quietly move the offenders from one church to another.

Is this really going to stop abusers, or is it done just to protect the Church’s business?

It was through these actions that Benedict’s apologies could be considered to have come too late. It was until the problem was exposed that he intervened, but even then he only apologized for something that could have been prevented.

As a cardinal and later as pope, Benedict never admitted his own failure or the Vatican’s.

Many people put Benedict on a pedestal for his attempts to heal the church, but how could someone heal something when he or she has no control over it?

His inability to confront the same issues as cardinal jeopardized his credibility.

Benedict could have had more accomplishments or failures, depending on some perspectives, but he decided to terminate his papacy.

This leads into the question as to why Benedict suddenly resigned just before Easter—one of the most important days for the Catholic Church?

Benedict’s reasons for stepping down were said to be related to his health, but after Benedict announced his resignation, people began speculating his real reasons.

Perhaps he is stepping down because the Vatican’s pressure on him was becoming a burden, or maybe there are many more scandals on the verge of being revealed.

Perhaps the exposure of these dark secrets could destroy Benedicts credibility—that is, the little he is still holding with his fingertips.

Feb. 12 should not be remembered for Benedict’s resignation, but for the important message he is sending all of humanity.

By resigning as pope, Benedict is confirming everyone has a limit and there comes a time when enough is enough. Duty is important, but sometimes stepping down is inevitable.

Benedict recognized his strength is not what it used to be, and it was very appropriate to step down while he still could. That’s exactly what he will be remembered for and what his legacy will epitomize for ages to come.

Resigning takes great courage, but to accept one’s weaknesses takes greater courage. Perhaps Benedicts should have taught humanity this when the sexual abuse scandals were exposed.

That would have been the perfect time for him to accept the Church did a terrible disservice to humanity by protecting those who caused harm to others.

One question still remains, and that is, who will be the next pope? South African cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier is not only charismatic, but also direct—something the church desperately needs.