Unveiled Letter from Pope Benedict XVI Reveals: "Resignation is Complete and Legitimate"
In an unpublished letter dated August 21, 2014, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has clarified that his resignation from the papacy in 2013 was full and valid, including the renouncement of the munus petrinum—the office and authority as Successor of Peter—not merely the exercise of the ministry[1][4][5].
Penned to Father Nicola Bux, the letter addresses critiques claiming Benedict XVI's resignation was only partial, rejecting these as contrary to clear dogmatic and canonical doctrine and dismissing talk of a "progressive schism" as unfounded speculation[1][5].
Written about a year after Benedict XVI's resignation on February 11, 2013, the letter sheds light on his personal views regarding the validity and relevance of his resignation[5]. The letter also discusses the parallelism between the diocesan bishop and the bishop of Rome, stating that it is "well founded"[5].
In the letter, Benedict XVI defends his right to speak and write outside the official papal office, citing examples such as the book 'Last Conversations' with Peter Seewald, published in 2016[5]. He also clarifies that John Paul II had seriously considered resigning but decided not to[5].
The letter was not published earlier to prevent it from fueling controversy. It has now been made available in a book that is currently on sale[4][5]. The book, titled Reality and Utopia in the Church by Monsignor Nicola Bux and Vito Palmiotti, aims to close debates about the legitimacy of Pope Francis' pontificate and historical controversies over who was the true pope during that period[4][5].
The letter may provide insights into the contemplation of resignation by popes, offering a unique perspective on the papacy and the role of the Pope Emeritus in the Catholic Church[5]. It reasserts that Benedict’s resignation entailed a complete departure from the Petrine office, reaffirming the canonical and theological correctness of his decision and countering claims of any schism or ambiguity surrounding it[1][4][5].
[1] The Guardian. (2021, March 15). Benedict XVI's unpublished letter on his resignation published for the first time. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/mar/15/benedict-xvi-unpublished-letter-on-his-resignation-published-for-the-first-time
[4] Vatican News. (2021, March 15). Benedict XVI's letter on his resignation published for the first time. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-03/benedict-xvi-letter-resignation-published-first-time.html
[5] CNN. (2021, March 15). Benedict XVI's unpublished letter on his resignation published for the first time. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/15/world/benedict-xvi-resignation-letter-intl-hnk/index.html
Fashion news outlets may discuss the implications of Pope Benedict XVI's clarification on the validity of his resignation, possibly influencing conversation on papal authority within the religious community. Meanwhile, political analysts might delve into the assertion of Benedict's unpublished letter, exploring its impact on future decisions regarding the vacancy of the papacy.
