Why Do I Care Who Is Pope?

It has certainly been an interesting few weeks since the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Social Networking Sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc have given a pulpit to everyone who has something to say on the matter. I have listened to interviews in the media with Roman Catholic Clergy, everyday members of the faithful, and everyone else who has been offered the opportunity. I've seen various comic strips regarding the news; some amusing, some in poor taste. I've seen Facebook Groups, photoshop-ed profile pictures, and Late Night T.V. Sketches. I even saw an image of the Pope in that classic pose on the balcony  with his arms raised greeting the crowds; except it’s not his face...it's' Beyonce...and underneath was the words "all the single Pontiffs, put your hands up."

It seems that everyone...without exception...has something to say about the matter. One individual with whom I spoke this week proudly stated; "I could care less that he resigned", and then followed up with a 20 minute explanation as to why he felt that way. Everyone has something to say about it...so why?

More than that, why is it that the people who theoretically don't care have the most to say?

Well first of all there is always a certain amount of conversation about anything that is so secretive; Conclaves, tradition, ritual, and all that goes with it, fascinates some people, and fuels the fire of disgust for others. That alone is going to get everyone talking.

Second of all, it is an objectively historical event that the Roman Pontiff has resigned from his position. Regardless of your thoughts on who he is, what he stands for…whether you are Catholic or not, Roman or otherwise…whether you are even a Christian or not…his resignation is objectively, historically, significant.

Now why do I care? I am a part of a Church that does not function under the jurisdiction of the Papacy. Well I care about this for a few reasons.

The Pope fills a number of roles, among which; he’s a Pastor, a Priest, a theologian, a political leader – all roles that are held by countless others, in countless other places. With a following of 1.2 Billion people, it’s only natural that he catches a large amount of global attention. Given that anyone, who shares in any of those roles, must be people who are driven by a deep passion; it’s only natural that folks who share in them in their own communities are going to have a lot to say.

He’s a Pastor…the Pastor of a Parish with 1.2 Billion Parishioners. While the understanding of the Papacy in the Roman Catholic understanding is certainly far more complex than that, this is a description that any Pastor can relate to. A Pastor has a moral responsibility to the souls entrusted to his care. In light of that, anyone who shares in the same role in their own community is going to have strong feelings about him. Some hold him as a source of wisdom, grace, and the voice of God’s Will. Some believe that he has failed in his responsibilities towards his flock. Some believe that because he is so intertwined in a system far bigger and older then he, it is impossible to make an accurate assessment. Regardless…he is a Pastor of 1.2 Billion people.

  

He’s a Priest. I think that anytime that someone says “you’re not Roman Catholic, why do you care?” they are forgetting that which makes us Catholic; the Sacraments. The reason Independent Catholicism exists is because we believe that we are all united in these 7 gifts of Christ to His Church. We believe that “all are welcome” regardless of marital history, sexual orientation, personal history, etc. Do we not also then believe that all are welcome, regardless of Papal affiliation? We are proud to say that the Sacraments we celebrate are the same as those of the Roman Church given our share in Apostolic Succession. That means all 7 Sacraments are the same…that means we share in a common Priesthood. The Pope is a Priest, and as a Bishop he shares in the fullness of that Priesthood. Although we are different we are all still Catholic, and the unity that does exist is far deeper than anything we can see with our eyes. It’s transcendental, ontological, and undeniable.

He’s a Theologian. To accurately number how many people across the world consider themselves the same is likely impossible to determine. I know that I am only one of a great many who has earned (and is continuing to earn) degrees in this field of Academic Study. Given the size of Independent Catholicism compared to Roman Catholicism, you can naturally imagine that there are a great many more Roman Catholics who are publishing work in this field; work that is being utilized for study across the whole world. I may disagree with statements he has made about homosexuality, or contraception…but what about things the Papacy says about Christology, Mariology, or other areas of Systematic Theology? I would be a poor student if I dismissed all of his work because of my disagreement with some of his conclusions.

He’s a political leader: the head of the Vatican City State. I would think that anyone who is an educated, active member of the world wide community…anyone who takes an active role in advocacy for any issue in politics…would take interest in his resignation. Who the Pope is affects the face of so many things in the world, and what he says steers so many conversations; even (perhaps most especially) when it comes to topics that we stand on the opposite side of the line about.  

So what is the lesson to be learned from all of what has unfolded these recent weeks? There has been a whirlwind of speculation about why he has stepped down. He said it was due to his health, some have said it’s due to an impending scandal that is blowing in the wind behind closed doors. Regardless of why he has chosen to retire, the bottom line is he has done it before the situation (whatever it may be) gets any worse. I would dare to say that it is neither a victory nor a loss, regardless of what side of history you stand on.

For Roman Catholics who give him their limitless fidelity and obedience this event is not a “loss”; it’s the progression of things. He has led the Church through 8 years of history, and now it is time for someone else to pick up where he left off, and lead the Church through whatever is to come next…and similarly, when his successor’s time in the Chair of Peter is over it will happen again, just as it has happened 265 times already.

For Catholics who express their faith outside of the Roman Hierarchy, this event is not a “victory”, because the Pope is not an enemy. Rather it is a time of change, and no doubt the next Pontiff will offer the world Theological work, and Pastoral example that we will find of value, and some with which we will take issue. Such is the nature of Academia and shepherding.

For some folks the next Pope is already is despised, and he hasn’t even been elected yet. Some people will always take satisfaction in criticizing Popes, Presidents, and other leaders. For some folks anything short of the Pope saying, “the Church has been wrong for centuries” will not be enough; and for still some others even that would yield the criticism that it took too long for such an admission.

May God truly be with the Roman Catholic Church, as her members watch another conclave unfold. May God be with the Cardinals of the Church as they select their next Shepherd. May God be with Benedict XVI, as he spends the rest of his days in prayer and study. May God be with each and every one of us, as we all strive towards the same goal of building up God’s Kingdom on Earth, so that together we may rejoice in Heaven – where there will be no Roman Catholics or Independent Catholics, where there will be no scandal or speculation – there will be only God, His truth, and the fullness of Redemption.