Grace Thompson
Several popes of the Catholic Church have resigned over the centuries, with the most recent being Benedict XVI, who vacated the Holy See on 28 February 2013. Before the 21st century, there were five unambiguous resignations, all between the 10th and 15th centuries. The act of a papal renunciation, or abdication, is uncommon, as popes conventionally hold office for life. The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI was considered unprecedented, as it had been almost 600 years since the previous pope, Gregory XII, resigned in 1415.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of popes who have resigned before | 6 with historical certainty, 4 disputed claims |
| Most recent pope to resign | Benedict XVI, 28 February 2013 |
| First pope to resign | Benedict V, 10th century |
| Last pope to resign before Benedict XVI | Gregory XII, 1415 |
| Reason for Benedict XVI's resignation | Advanced age and deteriorating strength |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Benedict XVI's resignation
On 11 February 2013, Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention to resign, effective 28 February 2013. This was a highly unusual move, as popes typically hold the position for life, and Benedict XVI was the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415, almost 600 years earlier.
Benedict XVI cited his advanced age and deteriorating health as the primary reasons for his decision, explaining that he no longer felt capable of adequately fulfilling his duties as pope. He noted that the decision was made "in full freedom", as required by canon law.
In the weeks following his resignation, several conspiracy theories emerged, including one that suggested he was forced to resign due to financial mismanagement within the Vatican Bank. However, Benedict XVI maintained that his decision was based on his inability to publicly lead the Catholic Church, which was facing immense change and challenges, including the sexual abuse crisis and financial entanglements.
After his resignation, Benedict XVI took on the title of Pope Emeritus and resided in the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo before moving permanently to Vatican City's Mater Ecclesiae on 2 May 2013, where he lived until his death on 31 December 2022.
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Pope Gregory XII's resignation
Pope Gregory XII, born Angelo Corraro, Corario, or Correr, was the head of the Catholic Church from 30 November 1406 to 4 July 1415. He was the last pope to resign before Pope Benedict XVI did so in 2013, making him the first pope to resign in almost 600 years.
Gregory XII's papacy was challenged by the Avignonese antipope Benedict XIII, with whom he was supposed to have negotiated for their mutual abdication to end the Western Schism. The Western Schism was a period of division in the Church that saw multiple claimants to the papacy simultaneously. The schism began in 1378 and resulted from political and theological disputes that led to the election of rival popes. By the time of Gregory XII’s papacy, there were two individuals claiming to be the true pope: Gregory XII in Rome and Benedict XIII in Avignon. This division caused significant strife and confusion within the Church and among the faithful.
Gregory XII's resignation was part of a negotiated agreement to resolve the schism. The plan, known as the Council of Constance (1414-1418), was to persuade all claimants to the papacy to step down or be deposed, thereby allowing a new pope to be elected. Gregory XII kept his part of the bargain and resigned in 1415. He was succeeded by Pope Martin V, who was elected in 1417.
Gregory XII's resignation was a significant event in the history of the Catholic Church, primarily because it was motivated by the desire to end the Western Schism and unify the Church.
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Pope Benedict IX's resignation
Pope Benedict IX was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States for three separate periods between October 1032 and July 1048. He was about 20 years old when he was first elected, making him the youngest Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. He is the only pope to have held office more than once and the only one accused of selling the papacy.
Pope Benedict IX's first reign lasted from 1032 to 1044. In 1044, he was briefly forced out of Rome due to opposition to his scandalous lifestyle, and Sylvester III was elected in his place. However, Benedict IX returned in 1045 and expelled Sylvester III, resuming the papacy.
In May 1045, Benedict IX resigned for the first time. He offered to give up the papacy to his godfather, John Gratian, in exchange for reimbursement of his election expenses. John Gratian accepted the offer and became Pope Gregory VI. However, Benedict IX soon regretted his decision and returned to Rome, taking back the papacy and remaining in office until July 1046.
In December 1046, Benedict IX was deposed by Henry III, King of the Romans, who summoned the Council of Sutri to resolve the dispute between Benedict IX, Sylvester III, and Gregory VI. As a result, all three popes were deposed, and Clement II was elected as the new pope.
In conclusion, Pope Benedict IX's resignation was influenced by factors such as dissatisfaction with his scandalous lifestyle, his desire to marry his cousin, and political and military pressure from opposing factions within the Church. His resignation was not voluntary but rather a result of complex power struggles and negotiations within the Catholic Church during that time.
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Pope Liberius' possible resignation
Pope Liberius, the bishop of Rome, served as the pope from 17 May 352 until his death on 24 September 366. He is recognized as the earliest pontiff not venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Some historians have postulated that Liberius resigned from the papacy in 365. This theory was developed to explain the pontificate of Felix II, who is now considered an antipope. However, this theory is highly contested.
During his papacy, Liberius was sympathetic to the Arians, a Christian sect that believed in a modified form of Arianism. He was pressured by Emperor Constantius, who attempted to persuade Liberius to his point of view. When Liberius refused, he was sent to a prison in Beroea. After more than two years in exile in Thrace, Liberius was recalled by the emperor due to pressure from the Roman population, who refused to recognize Felix II.
Upon his return, Liberius was intended to govern the Church jointly with Felix II. However, the Roman people expelled Felix II, allowing Liberius to resume his role as pope.
The theory of Liberius' resignation stems from the idea that he may have temporarily relented to the emperor's demands during his exile. This belief is based on three letters ascribed to Liberius, which may be forgeries. However, it is argued that if Liberius had truly given in to the emperor, the latter would have publicized his victory. Additionally, the Arians, who were known for spreading rumours, would have had no difficulty spreading a report of Liberius' fall.
In conclusion, while some historians have suggested that Pope Liberius may have resigned in 365, this theory is based on disputed evidence and alternative explanations for the events during his papacy exist.
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Pope Marcellinus' possible resignation
Pope Marcellinus was the bishop of Rome from 30 June 296 until his death in 304. There are historical accusations against him, claiming that he renounced Christianity during Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. Marcellinus is said to have repented soon after, and he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The Catholic Encyclopedia notes the historically obscure renunciations of Pope Marcellinus (296-308). However, it is unclear whether Marcellinus actually resigned from his position as pope. There is no further information available on the circumstances or reasons for his possible resignation.
It is important to note that papal renunciation, or papal abdication, refers to the voluntary resignation of the pope from his position. As the pope typically holds office for life, papal renunciation is an uncommon occurrence.
Throughout history, there have been several instances of papal renunciation. Before the 21st century, only five popes unambiguously resigned with historical certainty, all between the 10th and 15th centuries. The most recent pope to resign was Benedict XVI in 2013, becoming the first pope to do so since Gregory XII in 1415.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope to resign in almost 600 years when he stepped down in 2013.
Yes, Pope Gregory XII was the last pope to resign before Benedict XVI. However, his resignation in 1415 was not voluntary. The only other pope to resign voluntarily before Benedict XVI was Celestine V in 1294.
Pope Benedict XVI cited his advanced age and deteriorating strength as the reasons behind his decision to resign. He also mentioned that he no longer had the strength to lead the Catholic Church.
