SPRINGFIELD (IL)
National Catholic Register
by JOAN FRAWLEY DESMOND
02/18/20
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After Pope Benedict XVI announced that he would resign, a debate quickly ensued about the proper terminology for describing the Pope’s stunning decision: Had he “abdicated,” resigned or “renounced” his office? And what would he be called after he took up his new life of prayer and study?
Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., a canon lawyer, has entered the discussion, offering the fruit of his analysis regarding the proper canonical term for the Pope’s decision and the likely title and name he will use after his resignation.
Such matters are not entirely settled because of the singular nature of this landmark decision: “A Pope has not left office alive for almost 600 years,” acknowledged Bishop Paprocki in a statement that offered his “canonical reflections on terminology.”
The remarks were sent to a canon-law listserve, and the bishop subsequently agreed to allow the Register to publish his reflections.
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