Remembering Pope Benedict XVI

Fr. Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was born in Bavaria, Germany on April 16, 1927. He became a priest in 1951. The church in Germany recognized his brilliance in Theology that he was appointed Theology professor in several German universities and seminaries. On March 1977 he was appointed Archbishop of Munich and Freising by Pope Paul VI. On June 1977 Pope Paul VI appointed him Cardinal although he had little pastoral experience. He was known as a liberal leaning theologian until 1968 when his views became that of the traditional conservative. On becoming a cardinal, he became a major figure on the Vatican stage. Later, as one of Pope John Paul II’s closest advisers, his influence was second to none when it came to setting church priorities and directions.

From 2002 to 2005, he was dean of the college of the Roman Curia (College of Cardinals). He became our Pope on April 19, 2005. Following tradition, he was asked how he wished to be called. He said, Pope Benedict.

The Roman numbers XVI or sixteen means he is the sixteenth Pope to use Benedict as Pope. On February 28, 2013 he resigned as Pope because of serious medical problems. He disregarded honor, pride and glory. He knew that he cannot fully do his work as St. Peter’s successor because of his worsening physical condition. He knew that it would be unfair to the billions of Catholics if he, as Pope would be the drag, the cause of the uncertainly/delay in carrying out the never-ending evangelizing mission work. This is the highest and yet the simplest form of humility. He was the first to resign on his own initiative since Pope Celestine in 1294. Since then, the last to resign was Pope Gregory in 1415. Some say his act removed the perceived rising tensions between the liberals, conservatives and liberation theologists.

The Davao Archdiocese is indebted to Pope Benedict’s kindness. He appointed bishop Romulo Valles as first: Archbishop of Zamboanga and in 2012, as Archbishop of Davao. He appointed as Papal Chaplains 1. Msgr. Leonardo Vicente, 2. Msgr. Nelson Lucas, 3. Msgr. Jaime Gamboa, 4. Msgr. Maximo Sarno, 5. Msgr. Edgar Labagala, 6. Msgr. Abel Apigo, and 7. Msgr. Julius Rodulfa, all from Davao. He also conferred one priest and 13 lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Davao, the honor of “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.” They were Father Patrice Picard P.M.E, 1. Apoliman Bundalian, 2. Rodolfo Tagle, 3. Celeslino Barretto, 4. Jesus Quitain, 5. Ernesto Evangelista, 6. Michael Manalaysay, 7. Cipriano Genosas, 8. Luzminda Llanillo, 9. Ms. Bernardila Asis, 10. Ms. Milagros Punzalan, 11. Ms. Maria Iris Melliza, 12. Ms. Aileen Lizada and 13. Ms. Victoria Anghag. The investiture was made on Dec 15, 2009 at the San Pedro Cathedral and the presider was his grace, Reverend Edward John Adams, D.D. Apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. Salamat Santo Papa Benedicto sa imong kaayo kanamong taga Archdiocese of Davao. DANKE, AUF WIEDERSEHEN.