Pope's Renunciation and the Sede Vacante Homes

While the Pope's renunciation of the papal office shook many, the subsequent reactions were of love and gratitude. But there were a good number, too, that felt abandoned or even betrayed. The breakdown of marriage in society had brought forth wounded individuals, growing up with no fathesr; They were hit the most by Pope Benedict XVI's move to renounce the office. The news struck them in a wound that never fully healed. It was for them a revisit of painful memories of a father walking out on them.

It is quite understandable that they will go through emotions of anguish, grief, forsaken, and a list of many questions. They cast doubt on past statements of love.

The Catholic Church is a family... a home and we look up to the Pope as a spiritual father. Pope Benedict XVI, in spite of, what mainstream media would like to portray, had becoming an endearing father to Catholics. His simple, lack of theatrics, and almost self-effacing personality made people listen to his words undistracted. It was heart speaks to heart.

His renunciation may, then, can even become an avenue of healing for the fatherless members of Christendom. He didnot disappear in thin air. He was able to say his goodbye, thank you, and he asked forgiveness. He prayed, discerned what is best for the flock. He said he is not abandoning you and me. He will still be in spiritual closeness thru prayers. He will continue to suffer with Christ and His Church.

Those final days of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy were touching. There is pain and sadness in losing the physical presence of one who is loved, but there is that serenity, joy, and gratitude because he gave much and that remains.

May the renunciation of Pope Benedict XVI, now Bishop Emeritus of Rome bring healing to the many who in their personal lives had an absentee father. And amidst our activism in women's rights, may we realize the equal importance of men and fathers in family life.