The Pope, power and politics

I believe that part of the shock is anchored on the human tendency to hold on to power, no matter the circumstances. It is thus inconceivable to give up such a position more so when it is traditional to stay till death parts the office from the holder. No throne or secular office rivals the […]

I believe that part of the shock is anchored on the human tendency to hold on to power, no matter the circumstances. It is thus inconceivable to give up such a position more so when it is traditional to stay till death parts the office from the holder.
No throne or secular office rivals the papacy in pomp and ceremony. The Pope sits on the chair of St. Peter, the man chosen by Jesus Christ Himself to head His church on earth. As the Vicar of Christ, the Pope is de facto and de jure head of all Christians on earth. His kingdom, though largely ecclesiastical, cuts across boundaries of all earthly dominions and jurisdictions. The Bishop of Rome is indeed the numero uno ruler of the world. A line of the papal anthem extols the supreme pontiff who rules “from sea to sea”. It is from this height which mortals would kill to ascend – and hold on – to that Pope Benedict XVI gave up for a solitary life of prayer in a monastery for the rest of his days.
The Holy Father has by this spectacular act given new meaning to power and its exercise. In a world where power is deployed daily to oppress the weak, commit genocide and unspeakable human rights abuses, glorify mediocrity and amass unfathomable wealth, a new lesson is preached.
We live in a world where religious leaders deceive, exploit and humiliate their followers for self glorification. This humble act speaks to these wolves in sheep’s clothing who prefer private jets to healing the sick and attending to the needy. Indeed, this is a breath of fresh air in the putrid altars of deception and bigotry.
The lesson is even more poignant for secular leaders who have forgotten that power has two sides: the legal authority it confers and the moral obligation it demands to always put the interest of the people state or institution above personal glory and comfort. In Nigeria, incapacitated leaders resort to different ploys to hold on to power to the detriment of their people and institutions of state.
  Speculations are rife for the pontiff’s announced resignation. This is against the background of the long papacy of his predecessor Pope John Paul II (now Blessed). John Paul II, one of the longest reigning pontiffs of modern age, died in 2005 after years of illness. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was at that time the Prefect of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. He succeeded Pope John Paul II and became our Benedict XVI. As head of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, he was the gatekeeper of the conservatives in the Curia and oversaw most of John Paul’s reforms which effectively positioned the church for the challenges of this century. He must have learnt valuable lessons in the long years of Pope John Paul’s illness.
 His election after a relatively short conclave lent credence to his vision of the church in the post-John Paul era, brilliantly articulated in his homily at the funeral mass of his predecessor. Pope John Paul II elevated suffering to a prayer form and concluded his ministry by becoming a model of Christian fortitude in the face of suffering and pain.  It was a brilliant statement of faith after many years of active ministry.
 Unlike his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI did not enjoy the advantage of age. Having ascended the throne at the age of 78, he must have realized that his would be a transitional Papacy. I suspect that his desire to hand back the church to a younger leader and avoid years of in action may have been at the heart of his decision to resign. At the end, both Popes acted in the best interest of the church and faith. 
As the shock lingers, the faithful must realize that the church is the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. The guidance of this spirit of truth has piloted the church for centuries. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.
Some 2,000 years ago, the man who founded Christianity was set up by one of His apostles for cash reward. Arrested by an angry mob, all His followers fled including a thoroughly frightened Peter who denied any association with him.
Yet Jesus Christ established this church on this same Peter. The ways of God are not often discernable to man. Ours is to bow and accept in humble submission.
Chuka Odom, former Minister of State (FCT) contributed this piece from Abuja.