By Mark Baumgarten
Life for a Catholic seminarian in Rome is in large part defined by our proximity to the Holy Father, and as word began to trickle through the city last Monday morning of Pope Benedict’s intentions I could not help but become a little wistful as I reflected on the significant role he has played in my life.
His election to the papacy in 2005 coincided with a profound deepening of my own faith, and his remarkably insightful teaching and humble example have impacted my formation greatly.
Having the chance to see Pope Benedict in person from time to time has been a special grace, though in the past couple of years his decline in stamina has became quite noticeable (I took the attached photo at the opening of Domus Australia in October 2011, where even then he struck me as looking rather tired).
He has also occasionally mentioned in public remarks that abdication might be a possibility should his strength give way too much.
As such, while his decision to step down is in some ways quite unexpected and certainly unusual, I cannot say that I was entirely surprised.
And so the circus prepares to descend once more upon this ancient city, and the NAC will no doubt get swept up in it all to some degree.
We had good practice for it last year when we hosted the bulk of the US bishops in groups over several months as they engaged in their five-yearly “Ad Limina” visits to Rome, though I suspect the mayhem will be even greater this time.
The sheer uniqueness and lack of modern precedent for this situation is forcing the tradition-laden process to improvise somewhat, which is fascinating to witness up close.
Indeed, it feels a little weird to not have the traditional period of mourning be part of the process. Accepted decorum regarding the recently deceased has historically served to check both excessively hostile commentary about a closing papacy and premature speculation about possible successors.
Lacking this cause of restraint, I wonder how tastefully the coming weeks will be handled by world-wide observers.
For my part, I am striving to keep my feet on the ground as much as possible, and to spend at least as much time in prayer and as I will spend following the unfolding events.
Pope Benedict’s final public appearances will no doubt be packed, though I certainly intend to show my gratitude and affection with my presence as much as I can, and pay due respect to what has been before I give too much thought to what is to come.
I will endeavour to write with some regularity in the coming weeks as these historic days unfold. In the meantime, I invite you all to join me in prayer for the intentions of Pope Benedict XVI as he prepares to leave office, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance of the papal transition.
May this special time bear abundant fruit in the lives of Catholics around the world and indeed in all people of good will.