Renuntiatio Papae: Some Historical-Canonical Reflexions

When Pope Benedict XVI announced on February 11, 2013 his own intention to renounce the Ministry of Supreme Pontiff on February 28 of that same year, the news was totally unexpected. Since that time, several questions were raised and continue to be raised. The author explores a number of these questions for discussion. The author first calls attention to similar events in the history of the Roman Papacy, in which one believes precedents can be recognized. In the second part of his contribution, he discusses the nature of the resignation and its consequences. The canonical and ecclesiological elements are discussed in parts 3 and 4 respectively. Finally, the author explores and proposes some areas where future legislation would be needed.