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My first reaction to Pope Benedict's resignation was to be very unhappy. I believe Benedict is probably the smartest man alive today, certainly the smartest in any position of prominence. It is a sign to the world that such a man is pope.
On the other hand, I deeply sympathize with his personal position. For a man who is so intelligent, the Papacy must have always been torture. Too much time taken away from thinking for mere administration. And the constant need to hold his tongue because of the PR requirements of the job.
This being so, it may not only be best for Benedict personally, but best for the world, if this mind and this voice is unleashed from the demands of the Papacy.
The first thing I hear now from non-Catholic colleagues is, "So I hear now there may be a black pope."
It's not going to happen. The press always says this. They said it after Paul VI died, they said it after JP I died, and they said it after JP II died. The press wants a black pope, because they see this as having the maximum news value. Bunch of racists.
The men selecting the new pope are old men, and old men are conservative by nature. They are in charge of a ship that has two thousand years of tradition. They are not interested in news value. They are most concerned with a steady, reliable hand at the helm.
In addition, the current cardinals were mostly chosen by the present pope. They will reflect his theological point of view. Moreover, with the present pope still around, they are not going to choose anyone else who will disagree with the current pope on any substantial matter. That would be inconsiderate, in the first place, and might cause scandal.
They will no doubt choose an African if one best fits this description. I wouldn't give odds.
On the other hand, I deeply sympathize with his personal position. For a man who is so intelligent, the Papacy must have always been torture. Too much time taken away from thinking for mere administration. And the constant need to hold his tongue because of the PR requirements of the job.
This being so, it may not only be best for Benedict personally, but best for the world, if this mind and this voice is unleashed from the demands of the Papacy.
The first thing I hear now from non-Catholic colleagues is, "So I hear now there may be a black pope."
It's not going to happen. The press always says this. They said it after Paul VI died, they said it after JP I died, and they said it after JP II died. The press wants a black pope, because they see this as having the maximum news value. Bunch of racists.
The men selecting the new pope are old men, and old men are conservative by nature. They are in charge of a ship that has two thousand years of tradition. They are not interested in news value. They are most concerned with a steady, reliable hand at the helm.
In addition, the current cardinals were mostly chosen by the present pope. They will reflect his theological point of view. Moreover, with the present pope still around, they are not going to choose anyone else who will disagree with the current pope on any substantial matter. That would be inconsiderate, in the first place, and might cause scandal.
They will no doubt choose an African if one best fits this description. I wouldn't give odds.
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