News in Review – April 2013 – Teacher Resource Guide THE POPE: Resignation and Election 2013
MINDS‐ON ACTIVITY
When it is time to elect a new pope, the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church come from all over the world to take part in a papal conclave in Rome. Behind the sealed doors of the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals pick the man who will follow in footsteps of St. Peter. Going into the conclave of 2013, many believed that Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec had a realistic chance of earning the papacy. As head of the Vatican’s office of bishops, Ouellet was a well-known and respected Catholic cleric who garnered strong support in the early voting. However, Ouellet, much to his relief, did not become pope.
1. What would it be like to have a Canadian as Roman Catholic pope?
2. Do you think church attendance would improve among Catholic Canadians if Ouelett were pope?
3. Would it be a source of national pride if a Canadian held such a prestigious office? SETTING THE STAGE Benedict Resigns The resignation of Pope Benedict was the event No one predicted the outcome of the conclave of that set this whole process in motion. Citing 2013. A little over a month after Pope declining health and the rigours of the job, Benedict’s resignation, 115 Cardinals gathered Benedict announced he was stepping down in in the Sistine Chapel to pick a new pope. The mid-February 2013. Pope Benedict’s seven-year outcome of the secret vote surprised almost term had its highs and lows. Faithful Catholics everybody with a dark-horse candidate assuming witnessed a pope who tried to reach out to control of the papacy. members of other faiths and spread the “good news” of Christianity. However, they also Beating the Odds witnessed a papacy mired in controversy. However, the secrecy didn’t stop oddsmakers Benedict was criticized for not taking a tough and media pundits from picking favourites. enough stance against priests accused of sexual Names like Angelo Scola of Italy, Odilo Scherer abuse. He also found himself defending Vatican of Brazil and Canada’s own Marc Ouellet were elites after documents were stolen from his heralded as front-runners for the pope’s job. apartment in a controversy named “Vatileaks” However, after five votes over two days, the by the Italian media. The documents revealed cardinals elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio to the incriminating information about the Vatican papacy. Despite the fact that Bergoglio finished hierarchy including allegations of financial second to Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict mismanagement and corruption. Already in XVI) in the conclave of 2005, the choice still declining health, Benedict found the “Vatileaks” came as a shock to many Vatican insiders. scandal too much to bear. He opted to resign and let someone else come in and deal with the
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APRIL 2013 — THE POPE: RESIGNATION AND ELECTION 2013 challenge of being pope. As a stunned global that Bergoglio intended to be an agent of change Catholic community digested this information, in the church. Initial reports indicated that they prepared for the uncertainty of life after Bergoglio was a simple man who gave up his Benedict. cardinal’s limousine in favour of public transportation and insisted on a simple A New Day, a New Pope apartment over the cardinal’s mansion in In mid-March, the papal conclave began with Argentina. Both were cited as evidence that he 115 Catholic cardinals locking themselves away was willing to practice what he preaches. from the world in the Sistine Chapel. The Indeed, after his election, Pope Francis chose to cardinals were forbidden from communicating ride the bus with his fellow cardinals back to St. with anyone outside the conclave, and the Swiss Martha’s Hostel rather than the papal limousine. Guard was standing by to make sure no one tried to eavesdrop on the discussions inside the Pope Francis chapel. It took two days and five ballots to elect While gestures of simplicity might hold Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, symbolic weight for some, many Catholics the first pontiff from the Americas, as the next wondered what Pope Francis would do to pope of the Catholic Church. When the new change the direction of the church. With the pope addressed those gathered in St. Peter’s church plagued by controversy, Francis knew he square not long after the election, Bergoglio needed to demonstrate that he meant business. smiled and said that his fellow cardinals “went First, he vowed to take “decisive action” against almost to the end of the world” to select a priests who abuse, or have abused, children pontiff. He asked for the community’s prayers (Reuters, April 5, 2013). Second, he formed an and support as he began his mission to lead 1.2 advisory panel to help him reform the Vatican billion Catholics into a new era. bureaucracy — the same bureaucracy accused of so much wrongdoing in the “Vatileaks” The New Era documents. Both these moves were publicly Bergoglio signaled the start of a new era almost declared within weeks of Francis assuming the immediately. An intellectual from the Jesuit papacy. tradition, Bergoglio took the name Francis for his papal name. St. Francis was a man who, Whether the simple priest from Argentina will despite his family’s wealth, surrendered all his be able to make the Roman Catholic Church a worldly possessions to serve the poor. Bergoglio humble servant to the world’s poor remains to is the first pope to assume this name, and many be seen. First Pope Francis has to get the church pointed to the humility of his namesake as a sign hierarchy to adopt his vision, a task many feel might consume his entire papacy.
To Consider
1. Who was the surprise winner of the papal election of 2013? Why were people surprised at the cardinals’ selection?
2. Why did Pope Benedict resign?
3. How did Pope Francis show that he was ushering in a new era for the Roman Catholic Church?
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APRIL 2013 — THE POPE: RESIGNATION AND ELECTION 2013
VIDEO REVIEW
Pre‐viewing Questions
The election of a pope is a big news story. Why do you think the election of a religious leader is such an important news story? Why don’t other religious leaders get the same kind of attention?
Viewing Questions
1. Who resigned from his post in February 2013? Why was this resignation considered to be historically significant? Why did this person resign?
2. What evidence was there that the pope’s health was failing?
3. What controversial issues came to light during the papacy of Benedict?
4. Why were some liberal Catholics concerned about the rise of Cardinal Ratzinger to the position of pope?
5. What steps did Pope Benedict take to soften his image after assuming the papacy?
6. What steps did Pope Benedict take that caused even more controversy?
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APRIL 2013 — THE POPE: RESIGNATION AND ELECTION 2013
7. Why does the late Cardinal Carlo Martini of Milan think the Church needs to begin a “journey of transformation”?
8. What is a papal conclave? What will the cardinals do at the conclave?
9. Who were the top contenders for the pope’s job?
10. Why did some women protest the conclave with pink smoke?
11. How long did it take the cardinals to select a new pope?
12. Who was selected as pope? Why did many people find this choice surprising?
13. Why are some Catholics very excited about the election of Pope Francis?
Post‐viewing Questions
Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec was considered one of the favourites going in the papal conclave. He later told Montreal’s La Presse, “Every time I heard my name being uttered during the vote count I was thinking to myself, ‘What are these people thinking? The Romans are crazy!’” (The Canadian Press, March 15, 2013) After Cardinal Bergoglio became pope, Ouellet admitted feeling very relieved that he didn’t win the election. Why do you think Ouellet might have been so hesitant to assume the responsibilities of the papal office?
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APRIL 2013 — THE POPE: RESIGNATION AND ELECTION 2013
CHOOSING A NAME
Minds On
When a pope is elected, he is asked to choose a name to signal the direction he wants to take the Roman Catholic Church. In honour of St. Francis of Assisi, Cardinal Bergoglio chose Francis — becoming the first pontiff to ever select that name. Other popes have chosen names based on mentors and family members. One pope, Cardinal Albino Luciani, chose to blend the names of his two predecessors, becoming Pope John Paul. Luciani died a month after taking office and Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Poland assumed the same name and became Pope John Paul II. Keep this tradition of name selection in mind as you read the following passage.
What’s in a Name? St. Francis of Assisi The early popes kept their baptismal names St. Francis of Assisi lived in Italy in the late when they were elected to the papacy. This 13th and early 14th century. He was born to a changed in the sixth century when a man named wealthy silk merchant who eagerly shared his Mercurius was elected pope. Mercurius believed riches with his son. Francis lived a carefree and that, since his name was derived from the name entitled life before going off to war in 1204. of the pagan god Mercury, another name would Sometime during the conflict, Francis had a be more appropriate, so he took the name John vision that led him back to his hometown of II. This started a papal tradition of selecting a Assisi. Upon arriving home, he gave up his new name when elected to the position of pope. attachment to wealth, ventured on a pilgrimage to Rome, and began living his life alongside the Pope Francis poor. Over time, he established several Catholic When Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario religious orders that vowed to serve God by Bergoglio was elected pope in 2013, he took the serving the poor. By the end of his life, Francis name Francis. This name selection sent a strong had become a living example of humility and message to the world. First, no one had ever altruism. chosen the name Francis despite the fact that St. It is this life that inspired Cardinal Bergoglio to Francis of Assisi is a popular and widely revered adopt the name Francis as pope. Pope Francis saint. Second, by choosing the name Francis, hopes that his papacy will also serve as a living Bergoglio was signaling to the Catholic example of service to the poor and community that his papacy would emphasize disenfranchised. service to the poor and disenfranchised.
To Consider
1. Why did Mercurius change his name when he became pope?
2. What message does the name selected by the pope send to the world?
3. Why did Cardinal Bergoglio choose the name Francis for his papal name? What was it about the life of Francis that Bergoglio wanted to emulate in his papacy?
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APRIL 2013 — THE POPE: RESIGNATION AND ELECTION 2013
READING FOR UNDERSTANDING: Electing a Pope
Minds On
When a pope dies or resigns, a papal conclave involving the world’s Roman Catholic cardinals occurs. The cardinals travel to Rome to elect the next pope. Papal conclaves have been taking place since 1274.
1. The death or resignation of the pope Pope Benedict XVI was the first pope in 500 years to resign. Church records indicate that, of the 266 popes to date, less than a dozen have resigned from office. When a pope dies, a ceremonial procedure takes place to verify the death of the pope and preparations begin for the pope’s funeral.
2. The vacancy of the Holy See There is a 15-day period (though it can be extended to 20 days) between the death or resignation of the pope and the election of his successor. Significant church decisions do not take place during this period.
3. Mourning the pope The church enters a state of mourning for nine days following the death of a pope. During this time, a series of masses are held, as well as the formal funeral mass and burial of the pope. In Benedict’s case there was no period of mourning because he resigned from office. This allowed the conclave to begin sooner.
4. Papal conclave A papal conclave occurs when the Catholic cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to elect the new pope. The word conclave is derived from a Latin word that means “with a key.” In the 13th century Pope Gregory X insisted that cardinals be locked in conclave until a pope was selected. This came after an almost three-year battle for the pope’s chair following the death of Pope Clement IV. The tradition of conclave persisted and, subsequently, popes are selected much more quickly today. a. Pre‐conclave Prior to the official conclave, the cardinals meet to discuss issues concerning the church. Campaigning for the pope’s job is not permitted at these meetings.
b. Conclave On the 15th day after the death of the pope, the cardinals celebrate mass and are led into the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. At this point the cardinals are locked away from the world and will not appear publicly or communicate with anyone until a pope is elected. The cardinals take their meals and sleep at a nearby residence between conclave sessions.
5. Election While in conclave the cardinals cast four ballots a day until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority of the votes. After each voting session, the ballots are burned. If a pope is not elected, the smoke coming out
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APRIL 2013 — THE POPE: RESIGNATION AND ELECTION 2013 of the Sistine Chapel chimney is white. If a pope is elected, the smoke coming out is chemically altered to appear black.
When the pope is elected, he is asked if he accepts the position. If he says yes, he is asked for his papal name. What follows is about an hour or so of pomp and ceremony where the new pope is adorned in his papal vestments before he is presented to those gathered in St. Peter’s square.
Source: Catholic Online – www.catholic.org
To Consider
1. How impressive is it that the conclave process has lasted for over 700 years?
2. Do you think it is still necessary to lock the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel until they select a pope?
3. The conclave is a secret process. Do you think it would be useful to make the selection of the pope a public event?
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APRIL 2013 — THE POPE: RESIGNATION AND ELECTION 2013
CONTROVERSIAL TEACHINGS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Minds On Attention Teachers: The Roman Catholic Church has found itself at odds with common beliefs Handle this activity with care. found in secular society. For example, sex outside of marriage, same-sex The goal of the exercise is to marriage and artificial insemination are all accepted practices in secular allow students to appreciate society. However, the church has specific teachings that go against these varying perspectives on common practices. Keep this in mind as you read about some of the certain issues, not to incite church’s teachings. heated debate. Encourage students to examine the Controversial Issues issues conscientiously and to avoid casting harsh judg‐ Sexuality – The Roman Catholic Church believes that a person’s sexuality ments on the opinions of is a gift or blessing from God. Consequently, the church believes one’s others. sexuality should be treated with reverence and respect. According to the church’s teachings, sexual relations should be confined to marriage between a man and woman with the goal being procreation (making a baby). Any sexual conduct outside the confines of marriage is contrary to the church’s teachings.
Celibate Priests – When a priest is ordained, he takes a vow of celibacy. He agrees to renounce sexual activity and focus on service to the church.
Female Priests – The Roman Catholic Church believes that, since Jesus and his disciples were all male, priests should also be exclusively male.
Married clergy – Since priests are called to remain celibate, and married people are called upon to procreate, the church does not believe in a married clergy.
Same-sex marriage – The Roman Catholic Church believes that marriage is the union of a man and a woman. In the church’s view, the married couple is called upon to live faithfully and procreate. A homosexual couple’s inability to procreate makes same-sex marriage contrary to the teachings of the church since union and procreation go hand-in-hand.
Contraception – Birth control is considered contrary to the church’s teaching because it prevents procreation.
Reflection Questions 1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Roman Catholic Church’s position on each issue?
2. Pope Francis is a staunch advocate for the teachings listed above. In your view, how difficult will it be for him to promote Roman Catholic teachings in the face of commonly accepted practices that are contrary to the church’s perspective?
3. Any decision that a faithful Roman Catholic makes regarding the issues listed above should be made with an informed conscience. How important is the ideal of conscience in addressing moral issues?
4. Where does your faith tradition stand on the issues listed above? If you are Roman Catholic, or if you do not adhere to a faith tradition, state where you stand with regard to the issues.
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