His Holiness Pope Francis makes a special visit to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery on the eve of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s 92nd birthday to offer Easter greetings. His Holiness Pope Francis took the opportunity, ‘with particular affection’, to wish Pope emeritus, Benedict XVI.
His Holiness Joseph Ratzinger was elected to the papacy in 2005 just three days after his 78th birthday, making him one of the oldest Popes to be elected. After having served for seven years, 315 days, Benedict XVI, resigned at the age of 85 years. As we celebrate His Holiness Joseph Ratzinger’s birthday, it leads us to reflect on the “penitential” approach that unites two pontificates, have taken in the face of scandals and child abuse.
This occasion is indeed accompanied by a lively debate over the notes written by first Pope emeritus, Benedict XVI and then His Holiness Pope Francis. Their response is profoundly and simply Christian. Three letters to the people of God, in Ireland, in Chile and in the whole world; letters that two Popes have written in moments of great tension regarding the scandal, and abuse.
His Holiness Pope Francis message to the people of God on the subject of abuse was released on 20 August 2018. It is the first such letter of a Pope addressed to the faithful throughout the world. This renewal approach to the people of God contains the same conclusion.
“Prayer and penance will help. I invite entire Holy faithful people of God to penitential exercise of prayers and fasting, following to Lord’s command. This can awaken our conscience and arouse our solidarity and commitment to a culture of care that says, “never again” to every form of abuse”.
Penance and prayer, moreover, “will help us to open our eyes and our hearts to other people’s sufferings and to overcome the thirst for power and possessions that are so often the root of the evils”.
His Holiness Pope Francis, once again points to a penitential way, far from any triumphalism – as he reiterated in his homily this Palm Sunday. The church recognizes its need for forgiveness and help from High. The heart of his message is imbued with humility, pain, shame, contrition, but at the same time it is open to hope, it is a Christian and Evangelical perspective. It is the same proposal as made by his predecessor; Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI.
