Pope Benedict Xvi: Rebuked Cardinal Roger Mahony Will Help Pick Successor

By Barbara Jones and Melissa Pinion-Whitt
LA Daily News
February 11, 2013

http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_22566069/pope-benedict-xvi-rebuked-cardinal-roger-mahony-will

[Cardinal Mahony's statement]

FILE - In this April 28, 2009 file photo provided then by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI stands by the salvaged remains of Pope Celestine V, in the 13th-century Santa Maria di Collemaggio Basilica, the symbol of the city of L'Aquila, whose roof partially caved in during the quake. Benedict XVI announced Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 that he would resign on Feb. 28 because he was simply too infirm to carry on - the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. Pope Celestine V, the 13th-century hermit and saint, was one of the earlier popes to resign. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, file) (Anonymous)

Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony will be among those traveling to Rome next month to participate in a papal conclave to elect a successor to retiring Pope Benedict XVI.

The 210-member College of Cardinals elects the pope, but only those under age 80 can participate in the secret election.

"Surely one of his great legacies will be a continuing emphasis on the need for all

In this Sept. 22, 2007 file photo, Cardinal Roger Mahony speaks during an annual multi-ethnic migration Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez has relieved retired Cardinal Roger Mahony of his remaining duties, on the same night the church released thousands more files on priest sexual abuse. Gomez released a statement Thursday Jan. 31, 2013, saying he has told Mahony he will no longer have any administrative or public duties. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

Catholics to exercise their role as evangelizers in the world," the 78-year-old cardinal said in a statement. "His focus upon the new evangelization will continue to enliven all disciples of Jesus."

As a member of the College of Cardinals, Mahony recalled the April 2005 conclave in which he helped elect the German-born pope.

"I recall so clearly his words when he told the cardinals that he was choosing the name Benedict because of his fondness for the prayerfulness and the Rule of St. Benedict, and also because Pope Benedict XV served during a time of turmoil and wars across the world," Mahony said.

The previous Pope Benedict served from 1914-20.

The current pope, who cited failing strength of mind and body, would become the first head of the Roman Catholic Church to resign from the lifelong appointment in about 600 years. He appointed 67 of the 118 cardinals who will pick a successor, who needs two-thirds approval to be elected pope.

Mahony said he looked forward to thanking the pope in person "and to participate in the conclave to elect his successor."

During the 8:10 a.m. Mass at St. Mel Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, Msgr. Helmut Hefner had planned to give his sermon about that day's Scripture reading - the creation of the world in the biblical Book of Genesis.

Instead, he read from the pope's statement of resignation announcement, and asked that worshippers "take him at his word" that he's stepping aside because of advanced age.

After Mass, parishioners Kodjoe and Eucharie Omoruyi expressed disappointment at the resignation of the 85-year-old pope.

"I was surprised, but I think he should stay," said Eucharie, holding her 16-month-old daughter, Natalie.

Geri Buttke praised Pope Benedict's leadership and credited him for having the humility to resign when he felt he could no longer fulfill his duties.

"He tried to bring back more traditional aspects of the church, rather than all the secularism that has crept into just about everything," she said.

She believes Pope Benedict's successor will face the challenge of bringing together a fragmented and troubled church.

"He's going to have one tough job," she said.

A view of the cross atop St. Joseph Catholic Church as seen along Arrow Boulevard in Fontana February 11, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation today becoming the first pope to do so in 600 years. GABRIEL LUIS ACOSTA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER. (GABRIEL LUIS ACOSTA)

Buttke also said she had mixed feelings that Mahony will be representing Los Angeles Catholics in electing the pope.

He was publicly rebuked by Archbishop Jose Gomez following revelations that he'd deliberately shielded priests who had molested children.

However, the stripping of all "administrative and public duties" does not extend to his responsibilities as cardinal.

Mahony has repeatedly apologized for failing to report the sex abuse to police and to remove the priests from their ministry.

Some parishioners arriving at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Fontana were nervous about what the future holds.

"I can't believe what's happened. It's kind of scary, I think," said Susanna Espinoza, an official at St. Joseph.

The concern from Espinoza, a lifelong Catholic, didn't end there. He pondered the future. "What's going to become of our religion?" she said.

Some parishioners hoped that there would be prayers for the Pope's health. Others hadn't even heard the news of the Pope's resignation.

The Rev. Guillermo Martinez heard the news on the Pope from a parishioner after morning Mass.

The Pope's resignation came as a surprise, but he says he's not worried about the future of the church. "There is no concern because we have good candidates to be the Pope," he said.

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