[The Editors' Verdict] The Two Popes Who Showed the Graceful Acceptance of Supreme Power

The Epic of Reconciliation Between Benedict and Francis
Benedict Voluntarily Resigned to Reform the Vatican
A Message of Unity Needed for Korea Ahead of the Impeachment Verdict

Pope Francis (88) has maintained a stable condition after repeated treatments with a ventilator due to pneumonia and respiratory difficulties, the Vatican announced on the 5th (local time). He is currently hospitalized for the longest period since his enthronement, now over 20 days. I cannot forget the image of him, frail and alone, praying for humanity in St. Peter's Square on a rainy evening in March 2020, when COVID-19 deaths were surging. Now, the whole world is praying for him. #PrayForPope.

I rewatched the movie The Two Popes (2019). It depicts the true story of Benedict XVI, a 'traditional conservative' in the Catholic Church, who voluntarily resigned, and his successor, the 'progressive' Pope Francis. Since the papacy is a lifelong position, it is rare in Catholic history for two popes to coexist in the same era. However, Benedict made a sudden announcement in 2013 to resign voluntarily to reform the Vatican, which was facing crises such as internal corruption, and recommended Francis, who stood at the opposite end of the spectrum, as his successor. This was the first time in 598 years that a pope stepped down voluntarily in Vatican history.

There is a reason I rewatched The Two Popes. South Korea is now approaching the verdict on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial. The people are divided, and the rule of law is becoming precarious. Amid unprecedented division and confrontation, I hoped there might be a divine 'message' for our wounded community.

The Roman Catholic Church grants the pope the highest authority established by God on earth. Yet Benedict showed how that authority can be accepted and relinquished. He demonstrated the most special form of submission by the person with the greatest power on earth. The dialogue scenes between the two popes in the movie, who were so different in every way, are an epic of meeting and reconciliation.

"Religion is about preserving tradition without compromising with the standards of the world. God does not change" (Benedict). "I feel the Church is no longer part of the world. It is not with the marginalized" (Francis). "Isn't it a compromise for popularity?" (Benedict). "No, it is change. Confession cleanses sin but does not help the victims" (Francis).

Benedict showed strong rejection of homosexuality and opposed secularism and liberation theology in Latin America. Francis, from outside Europe (Argentina), has been with the poor since his priesthood and is relatively open toward homosexuality. Yet Benedict chose Francis, who was the most untraditional in origin and disposition, as his successor to preserve Roman Catholic tradition.

As the verdict on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial approaches, some religious leaders are even calling for the dissolution of the Constitutional Court and inciting people to reject the court’s decision if it upholds the impeachment. President Yoon has not expressed willingness to accept the court’s decision. Whether the court’s decision becomes the end point or the starting point of our community’s division is a growing concern. Pope Francis warned against excessive politicization of religion. While urging people to actively engage in social, cultural, and political life with a passionate heart for the common good, he also cautioned about the risk of faith being exploited or instrumentalized by groups seeking to provoke confrontation.

We cannot live apart from politics, and everyone has the freedom to express their political views. Therefore, our community must acknowledge that not everyone can be the same. However, to protect the community, it is important to embrace differences within. The upcoming Constitutional Court decision should be a starting point for restoring everyday life for all, not a victory or defeat for any particular faction.

Jo Young-chul, Head of Content Editing Team 1