DIFFERENT MOOD IN ROME

ROME
Cardinal Roger Mahony Blogs LA

The overall mood here in Rome now is quite different from 2005. Recall that Pope John Paul II had been in declining health from early 2004 until his death April 1, 2005. It was obvious that the Pope would not remain much longer on this earth, and we had all begun to mourn him even before he died.

The mood back in April of 2005 was somber and sad. So many people had never really known any other Pope in their lives, and it was like losing a revered Grandfather–someone whom we had made a part of our own families.

There then followed the official days of mourning, the Pope lying in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, countless pilgrims coming to pay their respect and gratitude for his ministry in our midst.

This time, the mood is two-fold. On one hand, we give thanks for the incredible eight years which Pope Benedict served as Successor to Peter. We recall his wonderful teachings and homilies, and we were all in awe at his scholarship. There is no real sense of loss this time, because we have not “lost” Benedict. He is stepping away from the very active role as Pope to serve God and the Church in a more prayerful fashion–outside the fury of activities that swirl around the Pope who is active.

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