EPB16 on February 28

On February 28, 2013, Sede Vacante

In the afternoon of April, 19, 2005, white smoke came out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signifying the election of the new pope in the Conclave of 2005.  Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger accepted the papacy and selected Benedict XVI as his regal name.

Eight years later, on February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI in all humility decided to step down.

I had mixed feelings in 2005 when he was elected as I have confused feelings today as he left the papacy citing "lack of strength of mind and body"





PB16 was filling in the huge shoes of John Paul II, JPII, a very charismatic and loved Pope.  He had a reputation as a stern theologian as he was the Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. He stood for following tradition and people were afraid that he would lose the ground gained during the time of JPII.  He was called the "German Sheperd".



Coat of Arms of
Pope Benedict XVI

I must confess that I love the old traditions of the Church and was both happy and afraid.  We had a new Pope who was brave enough to call things as he sees it.  He did have strong pronouncements in controversial issues - on homosexuality, on our Muslim brothers, on matters of the faith, and other issues that needed strong leadership.  I was concerned at the same time that people and the church would not understand him and his plan to carry out his role as the Supreme Pontiff.

Eight years later, I am today deeply saddened with his departure from our lives.  He has left the church that is stronger than ever before, leaving a legacy of love of theology, the Church and Jesus Christ in millions of people.

I can recall only a few of the more recent changes and programs he has put into place.

He led in changing the words in the Roman Missal, like "... and with your spirit", to conform with the apostolic practices from 2000 years ago.  I was confused at first but over time and with a bit of study, I started to love it.  Recently he instituted the Year of Faith, of new evangelization, where we reach out not only to people outside of our faith but also to those in our faith who have lost a meaningful connection to the church.


CFC, You are doing good!

The blessing and recognition of PB16 on the Couples for Christ is very important and significant.  He validated our work in evangelization and faithful commitment to the Catholic Church.

PB16 is now Emeritus Pope Benedict XV1, or EPB16.



Coat of Arms of
Sede Vacante

The church will miss the wisdom of a theologian. His words that helped us to understand complex issues confronting the church will no longer be available to guide us.  He has decided to be silent.  At the same time, we now rely on the work that he has accomplished in the 117 cardinals that will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the conclave of 2013 that will elect the new Supreme Pontiff.

Thank you PB16 and now EPB16.  May God always protect you as you continue your pilgrimage in prayer and devotion to our Church

The Vatican police have taken over the protection of EPB16 from the Swiss Guards.

Sede Vacante!

Let us all pray for EPB16 and the election of our new Supreme Pontiff.

"to the greater glory of God"

Posted by: Bro Sonny