Number DOI: http://doi.org/10.33209/2519-4348-2707-9627-2022-10-126

VB. – № 10, 2022. – P. 265-288

Summary

The last three pontificates – John Paul II (1978–2005), Benedict XVI (2005–2013) and Francis (which began on March 13, 2013) are marked by both convergent and divergent processes in the Vatican structures and in the ecclesial compendium of the Catholic Church. The pontificate of John Paul II became an unprecedented event in the Catholic Church (renewal, modernization). The pontificate of Benedict XVI was designated by the Vatican researchers as a “painful pontificate”, which ended with the abdication of this pope on February 28, 2013. Benedict XVI left Francis a grave, essentially disordered legacy. The long-lasting dirt which found the “abomination of desolation” in the holy place was exposed behind the Vatican’s bronze gate. Joseph Ratzinger who has been in the Vatican since the 1970s in various positions ranging from prefect of the Congregation for the Faith was well aware of the unattractiveness of the Vatican’s arsonists and the precarious throne of the Viceroy of St. Peter. It is worth mentioning the Benedict XVI’s “strong words” at the solemn Liturgy on April 25, 2005 at the beginning of his pontificate: “Pray for me so that I do not flee from fear of wolves”. The precedent of his abdication was undoubtedly directly related to this prayer call. During the Way of the Cross Benedict XVI explained what he meant by referring to the “dirt in the Church”: “Even in your, Lord, wheat field we see more weeds than wheat. Such dirty clothes and faces of Your Church scare us. But we are those who polluted them! We betray You every time after our great statements and gestures. How much dirt is there in the Church, and even among those who in the priesthood must belong wholly to him!”. The biggest dirt of the Church’s dirt besides pedophilia which led to the removal of several dozen bishops and hundreds of priests from the church is the corrupt economic and financial affairs of the Institute of Religious Affairs (Vatican Banking) and the publication of secret documents in the press which became the “serious blow” for Benedict XVI. The atmosphere of general distrust spread even more in congregations before the conclave. Benedict XVI during the last Service Wednesday hinted at this when he emphasized “the importance of witnessing the faith and the Christian way of life to each of us and our communities in revealing the face of the Church, often disfigured. I particularly reflect on the guilt against the unity of the Church and separation in the church body”. These and other confessions of Benedict XVI provide enough convincing facts to understand the reasons for the abdication of this pontiff from the papal throne.

Key words: Vatican City, Apostolic Capital, Benedict XVI, dirt, Francis, reformation, declericalisation, decentralization, peripheral church, theology of women, youth theology, European Union, eastern politics, ecology.

References:

1. L’Osservatore Romano. 2013. № 5.
2. L’Osservatore Romano. 2013. № 8–9.
3. L’Osservatore Romano. 2013. № 10.
4. L’Osservatore Romano. 2013. № 11.
5. L’Osservatore Romano. 2014. № 5.
6. L’Osservatore Romano. 2014. № 11.
7. L’Osservatore Romano. 2015. № 3–4.