Pope Benedict XVI Resigns In Today's Memory, February 28, 2013

JAKARTA - Memories of today, 12 years ago, February 28, 2013, Pope Benedict XVI resigned from his position as the great leader of Catholics. The self-decretion was carried out for declining health reasons due to old age.

Previously, Pope Benedict was known to be active in carrying out the agenda of maintaining world peace. He often opened interfaith dialogues. He also fought cases of sexual harassment that occurred in churches. Even though the move received a lot of criticism from here and there.

The efforts of the great leaders of Catholics to maintain world peace are not mere empty messages. The presence of the Pope to various countries in the world is not just a matter of theology. A whale always opens space for interfaith dialogue.

This condition was seen when Pope Benedict XVI began to lead the Vatican Holy See from 2005. He also opened up dialogue with Muslims and other religions. Pope Benedict believes dialogue between religions is an important way to maintain peace.

The narrative made him also active in voicing resistance to poverty and injustice. His activities are admired by many world figures, from David Cameron to Barack Obama.

David Cameron revealed that Pope Benedict worked tirelessly to strengthen Britain's relationship with the Vatican's Holy See. Meanwhile Barack Obama said in a statement that he highly appreciates the cooperation with the Vatican over the past four years, "said Lizzy Davies and John living in his writings on The Guardian'sPope Benedict XVI's Shock Resignation Breaks '600-year Taboo' (2013).

Pope Benedict continues to make internal improvements to Catholic churches. He also tried to fight important issues related to the many sexual harassments that occurred in the Catholic church. He admitted that he was concerned about the many incidents of sexual harassment.

The case is that Pope Benedict' journey to fight sexual harassment is not always smooth. His concern for many cases of harassment is considered not serious. His actions concerned that he was not accompanied by any major action.

Many Catholics have revealed Pope Benedict should be actively fighting by issuing strict penalties to perpetrators of abuse. However, the Vatican has not been able to produce major breakthroughs for years to combat sexual harassment.

Another criticism of Pope Benedict is considered hesitant to uphold the affairs of traditional Catholic morality. However, he continued his role as a great leader of Catholics.

Recently, the age that has continued to make Pope Benedict' work to serve Catholics is not optimal. He felt his strength began to decline. At its peak, Pope Benedict announced his resignation on February 13, 2013.

He wants a lot of rest. Pope Benedict also gave others the opportunity to immediately become the next pope. However, the Pope's resignation brought a stir. Because it is not uncommon for a Catholic leader to resign.

Finally, the Pope who resigned took place 600 years ago -- Gregorius XII in 1415. Usually other Catholic leaders serve until the end of their lives. Finally, Pope Benedict officially resigned on February 28, 2013. He thanked Catholics who continued to support him.

"I'm no longer the Pope, but I'm still in church. I'm just a pilgrim who started the final part of his pilgrimage on this earth. It's different for me compared to the previous days and it's almost unprecedented for the Roman Catholic Church."

I still want to be with my heart, with my love, with my prayers, with my reflection, and with all my inner strength I work for the common good and the good of the church and humanity. I feel very supported by your kindness. Let us move forward with God for the good of the church and the world. Thank you," Pope Benedict said as quoted on the CNN page the day after, March 1, 2013.

Pope Benedict XVI was born in Maktl, Bavaria, Germany, April 16, 1927 under the name Joseph Alois Ratzinger. He died at the Vatican at the age of 95 on December 31, 2022.