EDITORIAL – Benedict’s journey

Benedict XVI will be formally stepping down as Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on February 28. The 85-year old Pope said he lacks the strength to fulfil his duties and will become the first ever pontiff to resign in 600 years.
Not too many knew that Benedict had a special place for Filipinos in his heart. In his 8-year tenure, he has appointed 9 archbishops and 22 bishops. Not to mention having canonized as Saint our very own Pedro Calungsod and appointed a Cardinal in Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle of Manila.
The 9 archbishops appointed by Benedict XVI included Davao’s Archbishop Romulo Valles. The 22 bishops appointed also included George Rimando of Davao.
In stepping down as Pope, Benedict emphasized that the “path of power is not the road of God” and that he is doing this for the good of the church.
Benedict’s resignation may have rocked the conservative faithfuls of the church. But he has also left a strong legacy of how leaders should be.
When he felt he is no longer strong to lead, whether that strength is physical or moral, Benedict’s acceptance of his weakness and limitations and his acknowledgment of the road of God as not the path of power, should teach our politicians and government leaders a strong lesson in leadership.
The road of God is not about power but it is about people and about life. It is not about one’s self as being powerful and about people in power being self-centered.
Benedict leaves the Church where no one in 600 years has done before. He did not have to wait for his death, not wait for illness to slow him down. His words are still sharp and its lessons living in us. Yes, Benedict knows in his heart that he has walked the road of God. It’s time for someone else to continue the journey. He would not cling on to the position when he is at the stage where his physical strength betrays his spiritual will.
As we enter into the early stage of the electoral campaign, let Benedict’s message of moral and selfless leadership guide us in choosing our next national officials.