One Year Post-Benny

It has been one year since Pope Benedict XVI resigned from the papacy and dispelled any thought that his announcement was all part of an elaborate joke. Truly, though, I do not stand in shock now but instead respect his big decision, which I trust was aided by God. As desolate the situation seemed, I've realized it isn't a huge deal in the grand scheme of things: though men tend to leave the papacy by death, they all leave it eventually. The papacy still continues as it has for thousands of years and there is a sense of peace in that.

Benedict has in the last year committed himself to a life of prayer, from which we certainly benefit. We should also continue to pray for him. For those nostalgic as I am, I've found this from Pope Benedict's final general audience 27 February 2013 (you can go here to hear it in English):

Dear Brothers and Sisters,I offer a warm and affectionate greeting to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors who have joined me for this, my last General Audience. Like Saint Paul, whose words we heard earlier, my heart is filled with thanksgiving to God who ever watches over his Church and her growth in faith and love, and I embrace all of you with joy and gratitude. During this Year of Faith, we have been called to renew our joyful trust in the Lord’s presence in our lives and in the life of the Church. I am personally grateful for his unfailing love and guidance in the eight years since I accepted his call to serve as the Successor of Peter. I am also deeply grateful for the understanding, support and prayers of so many of you, not only here in Rome, but also throughout the world. The decision I have made, after much prayer, is the fruit of a serene trust in God’s will and a deep love of Christ’s Church. I will continue to accompany the Church with my prayers, and I ask each of you to pray for me and for the new Pope. In union with Mary and all the saints, let us entrust ourselves in faith and hope to God, who continues to watch over our lives and to guide the journey of the Church and our world along the paths of history. I commend all of you, with great affection, to his loving care, asking him to strengthen you in the hope which opens our hearts to the fullness of life that he alone can give. To you and your families, I impart my blessing. Thank you!