Five years after his resignation, “Benedict XVI, in honor of the truth,” a documentary by Rome Reports and TV 2000, presents the key reasons for his decision.
BENEDICT XVI
February 11, 2013
“I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter.”
WHEN DID HE MAKE THE DECISION?
The idea began to take shape following his trip to Mexico in March 2012. The pope struggled to fulfil his duties, especially those involving special activities like trips.
STEPHAN HORN
Joseph Ratzinger's Assistant in Ratisbona
“The doctor told him he couldn't travel to Brazil, where he was due to hold a large encounter with youth. He realized it would be impossible for him to go to this event, so he decided to resign shortly before.”
The pope returned from Mexico in March before telling his collaborators in April that he was considering resigning.
PASTORAL CARE
Benedict quickly realized it would not only be difficult to travel, but also to make daily decisions.
FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Former Vatican Spokesman
“The quick developments, the need to act urgently and decisively, the number of problems that arise, we could say, on the pope's desk in our globalized world... the rhythm, the increasingly urgent developments, with the type of communication that is now something normal, something dynamic and demanding.”
A VERY PERSONAL DECISION
It was clearly a very personal decision, deeply pondered and by no means improvised.
MSGR. GEORG GÄNSWEIN
Benedict XVI's Secretary
“Benedict's resignation was not the fault of the poor, badly advised butler. Nor was it due to rumors about his apartment or the Vatileaks going around Rome like counterfeit money and being used around the world like gold bricks. No traitor, informant or journalist could have pushed him to make that decision. It was too small a scandal for something so large.”
Time has shown it was the correct decision. If he had continued as pope, he wouldn't have been able to govern the Church.
FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Former Vatican Spokesman
“He wouldn't have been able to do almost anything that is expected of a pope. He wouldn't be able to travel, he wouldn't be able to preside over public celebrations, hold long meetings or make complex decisions. He clearly did the correct thing, the most reasonable thing in front of God and mankind.”
Benedict's resignation, which then seemed like an impossible act, is now viewed five years later as the wisest one. It was another lesson by the pope professor.
