The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope to do so in
almost 600 years, has stirred up a number of issues previously not
considered or properly defined by the church’s rule.
One of such uncertainty is what will be the out-going pope’s title
after February 28, the day he quits office as the head of the Roman
Catholic Church. The U.K. Independent reports that he would be known as
Cardinal Ratzinger once again. According to the newspaper, he would also
lose the honorific “His Holiness” as that is the exclusive preserve of
Popes.
Some church theologians say he would have to be readmitted
into the conclave of Cardinal; but because he is above 80 years old, he
will be admitted as a non-voting member. However, Vatican spokesman,
Federico Lombardi, said on Tuesday the pope will continue to hold the
title Benedict XVI and hinted he will not be called a cardinal. He said
he would become Bishop Emeritus of Rome. The Church is yet to decide on
what
to do to with the papal ring that Benedict wears and uses for
seals. Traditionally, the seal is destroyed on the death of a pope.
Pope
fitted with a pacemaker -Vatican Meanwhile, the Vatican revealed on
Tuesday that the out-going pope is fitted with a pacemaker, the Los
Ageles Times has reported. However, Mr. Lombardi said the pacemaker was
fitted before he was voted as Pope in 2005 to help regulate his
heartbeat and is not directly linked to his resignation. “It had no
influence on the decision. The reasons were in his perception that his
strength had diminished with advancing age,” Mr. Lombardi said.
According
to the spokesperson, the batteries of the pacemaker were replaced three
months ago in Rome. Mr. Lombardi also said hinted that the election to
pick a successor will be held in mid-March. “There were 17 days between
the death of John Paul II and the election of Benedict, and we can
expect a similar thing,” he said. “The cardinals should know they should
be in Rome in the first half of March.” Mr. Lombardi also allayed fear
that the pope will interfere in the election to pick his successor. “The
pope will say nothing about the process of the election. He will not
intervene in any way. You can be sure the cardinals will be autonomous.”
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