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“IF IT SHOULD happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that he makes the resignation freely and that it be duly manifested, but not that it be accepted by anyone.”
That is the important passage of the Code of Canon Law (Canon 332, No. 2) which allowed for today’s papal resignation. As the Pope is the supreme authority in the Church, there is nobody to accept the decision or, indeed, to block it.
In his statement today, Pope Benedict made it clear he was “well aware of the seriousness” of the act, taking care of the “freely” requirement to ensure the validity of the move.
It seems the “duly manifested” extract from the law was interpreted by the pontifex as carrying it out in front of a number of cardinals at the Vatican to ensure against secrecy or ambiguity. Again thought, he is highest legislator so he can really interpret the law as he sees fit.
Although there is precedent, it is highly unusual for a pope not to remain in office until his death. The last time the pontifex resigned was almost 600 years ago in 1415.
So, the surprise and almost-immediate resignation of Pope Benedict XVI today has raised many questions.
Why do Popes abdicate?
In the long history of the Catholic church, six successors of St. Peter have stepped down from the top job.
Before his death, there were rumours and media speculation about the possibility of Pope John Paul II retiring because of old age and ill health but it never transpired.
He once told a doctor that there is no place in the Catholic Church for an emeritus pope. For what would an ex-pope do?
Therefore, Pope Benedict’s abdication marks the first for health reasons.
Historically, resigning the papal position has caused problems because a living pope could reclaim the title. It often led to scraps for power, challenges to authority and even imprisonment.
Pope St Pontian was the first to abdicate. He was elected in July 230 but during the persecution of Christians was exiled to Sardinia, condemned to work in the salt mines. As it was presume he would not survive, he resigned on 28 September 235.
After Pope Boniface VIII was elected, he imprisoned his predecessor Pope St Celestine V to ensure he would retain his seat. Celestine retired because he wanted to return to the monastery where he lived a hermit life. It is said that during his time as leader of the church, he was susceptible to interfering cardinals and nobility. His election came after two years of political fighting between cardinals, during which time the See remained empty.
His resignation set the most important precedent for Benedict XVI as he issued a solemn decree declaring it permissible for a Pope to resign.
The most recent resignation was Gregory XII in 1415. He was elected as the legitimate pope after a turbulent period in the Church’s history. At the time there were two anti-popes, supported by France and a renegade Council of Pisa. Finally, an agreement was reached for all three to resign or be deposed and a new head chosen.
Can a Pope be removed from his post?
It seems unlikely given what we’ve said already about his infallibility and supreme power, but the answer is yes.
A number of popes have been deposed. However, this mostly in the early days of the Church.
Both St Silverius in 536 and Pope St Martin I in 656 were forcibly deposed, exiled and martyred.
One of the most scandalous popes, Benedict IX agreed to resign (after holding the papacy on two previous, separate occasions) in May 1045 on receipt of money and a woman to marry. However, that deal soon fell apart, leading to the reclamation of the post from Pope Gregory VI. Eventually, both were deposed and Clement II chosen as the legitimate successor.
Pope Benedict XVI has said he will retire to a life dedicated to prayer now and “devotedly serve the Holy Church of God”, seemingly assuaging any fears that he could challenge his successor who will be chosen by the Sacred College of Cardinals next month.
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I’m on the Wage Subsidy scheme I don’t want it extended – it’s benefiting employers and penalising workers who will end up with a tax bill at the end of the year. Some employers are paying their staff extra to cover the impending tax bill but others are not.
Yes, I get the reasons for it to help employers stay in business but come on, do you think all of the companies availing of it are really in need of it or just jumping at the chance to get free labour?
@Fon_Ellard: : wow. That’s some grade A stupidity there!
Do you not know that if you were taxed at source you’d just have less in your back pocket now? You should calculate what total income for the year will be, find out how much you tax you should be paying monthly and then set this aside if you’re that worried. You’re not being penalised ffs!
I can’t believe this. You shouldn’t have a job based on your mindset!
@Joe: The economy is finished, the EU central bank has estimated that our GDP will contract between 7.5% to 8.00%
This makes the banking crisis look like pocket change. Tell me how we are going to pay back this funny money?
There is no such thing as free money, this government is preparing for the complete breakdown that’s coming, you should do the same, get your house in order
@Fon_Ellard: I’m not really disagreeing with you but one thing I can tell you for sure is workers on the wage subsidy scheme will not be hit with a tax bill later. The wss is paid after tax if you get me. There is no tax due on it. I’ve checked this with Revenue. So … that’s one less thing to worry about.
@Fon_Ellard: I’m not really disagreeing with you but one thing I can tell you for sure is workers on the wage subsidy scheme will not be hit with a tax bill later. The wage subsidy scheme is paid after tax if you get me. There is no tax due on it. I’ve checked this with Revenue. So … that’s one less thing to worry about.
First thing they did was give themselves a rise while we pickup the bill. Pigs at the trough
Promising however not addressing the elephant in the room which is the biggest hindrance to businesses operating is not solely finance but the restrictive measures/guidelines that prevents them from operating at full scale (rightly or wrongly).
@John Egan: they are reviewed and discussed every week….have you been missing the massive media reports on same?
@Canyon: are you mistaking reviewals to allowing businesses to open under the same regulations/conditions as businesses opened in previous phases? Or actual changes to the regulations. Because the only ‘massive media’ report was when they were debating on keeping 2m distancing or reducing to 1m….
Pigs will fly before fine geal implement these
@Richard Doherty: that’s the spirit! Glad you’re keeping an open mind.
Loans with 4.5%+ interest… In a negative yield market!?! Shocking.. No other word
@Nigel o’Neill: The State can borrow from the ECB at close to zero. If they issue loans to businesses at even 2%, it would surely lower their interest bills sign
Only in Ireland does SME stimulus come in the form of debt at about 500% markup on EU average interest rates. Small businesses need CASH, not debt or some nonsense about tax rebates in 18 months time. We’ll be dead and buried by then. RIP SME sector in Ireland.
What about property tax waiver?
Tax reductions for some businesses, but not all I hope. Our local grocery shops that stayed open had a massive boost to their business. Developers used the wage subsidy scheme to slash their labour costs, assuming they will sell their units this will only add to their massive profits and if they get tax reductions I doubt they will lower the house purchase prices to reflect this.. Not all businesses need a helping hand.
I miss Bertie… lol..
Just suppose our Government decided to waive the Tax on the Wage Subsidy for employees, imagine the spending spree that would create. They would get a big %age back indirectly and an awful lot of local businesses would benefit greatly.
Just a thought, definitely a far better option than awarding themselves monster salary increases.
have your say