Pope Benedict XVI - Champion of traditional Catholicism

The great challenges facing Catholicism are epitomised in Pope Benedict XVI who announced yesterday — in Latin — that he is to resign on grounds of ill health.

To more traditional Catholics, whose views predate the liberalising Vatican II, he was steadfast in asserting the primacy of orthodoxy. To them he was a reliable, inspiring bulwark against the uncertainties, expectations and intrusions of modernism. By repeatedly expressing his opposition to individualism and consumerism, by expressing unwavering opposition to homosexuality, abortion, rock music and even Harry Potter, he articulated the beliefs of millions of conservative Catholics.

However, Benedict’s determination not to bend to evolving social views alienated millions more who could not support a church that precluded even a discussion on the possibility of women priests. Neither could they support an institution that demanded, despite so many abominations laid at the feet of the principle, priestly celibacy or a veto on married priests.

The silencing of dissent, of priests, of nuns and theologians determined to live their faith in a contemporary context showed a philosophical rigidity not often seen in other spheres today. Those who oppose this disciplinary approach suggest it is autocratic even for a man thought infallible. To those who share Joseph Ratzinger’s views he is a cornerstone, a calming voice that reassures them in the beliefs they cherish in an ever more unaccommodating and indifferent world.

There has been a suspicion for many years, especially as he hinted so often that he might, that Benedict would resign if he ever felt unable, physically or mentally, to continue as Pontiff. That he has done so confirms his deep modesty and ability to differentiate between man and office. It has been described as “an act of self-sacrifice by a man not prepared to see the Church suffer as a result of his increasing frailty”.

It is also an indication that he learnt a very hard lesson in the closing years of John Paul’s pontificate. His predecessor had become so incapacitated that his weak response to the international scandal of child sexual abuse was disastrous for Catholicism’s credibility. Benedict has therefore, to his considerable credit, decided he was not going to allow his church risk further ignominy as age diminished him.

The discussion around his successor, expected to be known before Easter, has begun. There is speculation that the next pope may not be a European — John Paul was the first non-Italian — but rather one of the Latin America’s cardinals. However, Benedict and his supporters will be less concerned about his successor’s nationality than his commitment to conservative Catholicism.

Benedict has often declared that Catholicism must be “preserved as it is if it is to be of any use to society, even if that means a smaller church”. In the 35 years since John Paul II became pope that view has influenced all senior appointments. The conclave that will elect Benedict’s successor will be drawn from men appointed on those terms so it would be unwise to expect a new pope radically different from his immediate predecessors. That will reassure some but marginalise others. That is a price Benedict has always been prepared — if not determined — to pay to safeguard and celebrate Catholicism’s core beliefs.