Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Today is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), a day when we indulge in sweet treats and a few revelries before beginning the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. What’s strange this year is that the day after Ash Wednesday is Valentine’s Day. So, in the world of emotions, we go from merriment to penance to affection, all in the space of 72 hours.

I would have written about the radical shift in emotions that can take place in an instance. However, this shift was experienced on Monday when Pope Benedict XVI announced that he would resign from the papacy. The news was met by most with a sense of shock. Popes just don’t resign, at least in our modern era.

Many speculate about the cause of his decision. Is the Pope dying? Is the Pope suffering from an undisclosed illness? Is he being forced out of office? I accept the Pope’s own words; “I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.”

What is so unusual is that this course of action has not taken place in almost 600 years. I believe that this was a courageous decision taken by the Pope. The Holy Father, a world-class intellect and wonderful spiritual leader, put the Church first before his own ego, needs or desires.

Assuming the chair of Peter at the age of 78, Benedict XVI has served eight years guiding the Church and maintaining a schedule left by his predecessor Blessed John Paul II. This schedule would physically tax an average healthy man in his prime, and Pope Benedict was three years beyond the age when a bishop would be submitting his resignation.

The news brings mixed emotions. Sorrow, that we will be losing this clear thinking theological giant whose love for Christ and the Church was so evident. Yet a sense of joy that Pope Benedict may enjoy whatever time God has left for him in prayer, study and rest.

Now our attention turns to the conclave and the election of a new pope. The Holy Spirit will be guiding the process. I know for certain that the cardinals voting in the conclave will select the best candidate possible to lead our church. It won’t be because he’s young or old; it won’t be because he’s of a particular nationality or the color of his skin. It will simply be because they believe this is the best person to lead the Church during these difficult times. In recent times, we have been given John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. This is a pretty good track record for the Holy Spirit.

So, I’ll place my confidence in the work of the Holy Spirit and remind myself and others to do my part to Love the Lord and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.   

Note: This blog originally appeared as the February 12, 2013 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.