Pope Benedict XVI hinted at resignation in the past

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The decision of Pope Benedict XVI to resign at the end of the month has shocked Catholics and non-Catholics worldwide, but one Springfield priest says that there were signs that the Pontiff was willing to end his papacy.

Appearing on 22News at Noon Monday, Fr. William Pomerleau of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield said that he was initially surprised to hear the announcement,

“On reflection, maybe it’s not as shocking as we think, because this Holy Father has shown that he’s a great student of history. He understands when things are changing in the world, and he’s made a decision that’s is going to really help the Church as it goes forward in its ministry,” Pomerleau said.

Benedict was elected at age 78, and he had said at the time that he would step down if he felt that he would be unable to fulfill his duties. He also indicated the same in an interview about a year ago.

“He said since the beginning of his papacy: ‘I’m a weak man,’ and I think people took that in a purely spiritual sense, but I think he was also saying ‘physically, I’m 78 years old, you can’t expect me to do this job forever, and if need be, we’ll consider a resignation,’” Pomerleau said.

Still, while not unprecedented in the history of the Church, a resignation of a sitting pope has not happened in centuries. The last pope not to serve until his death was Gregory XII in 1415, who resigned to end a schism in the Church.

Pomerleau says that while Benedict is generally considered to be a conservative, his decision to resign can actually be interpreted as rather progressive.

He said that the Pontiff’s legacy will include efforts to get a proper grip on the worldwide clergy sexual abuse scandal; especially in terms of holding bishops accountable.

“I think history will judge that he was very decisive on that front,” Pomerleau said.

He added that Benedict XVI will be remembered for overseeing and encouraging the growth of the Church in areas such as Africa and Latin America.