The decision of Pope Benedict XVI to quit as the supremo of the Universal Catholic Church on Monday caught everyone by surprise, even Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, who is one of the junior members in the College of Cardinals.
“I am totally surprised,’’ he said, while rushing to his headquarters here on Monday evening from Mangalore. He came to know about the crucial declaration while he was travelling. He got down in between and sourced a confirmation through e-mail. “Pope Benedict XVI is an embodiment of spiritual goodness and understanding,’’ he told waiting mediapersons, on his arrival.
“’Though the Pope had hinted many times that he was in poor health and would step down if he was unable to discharge his duties properly,” the Cardinal told Express. “I have enjoyed a deep relationship with the Pope since 2007,’’ he recalled.
“I have known him since 1992, when he was a Prefect,’’ he added. Cardinal Cleemis said that the declaration of the Pope to abdicate the high post of the Holy See will come into effect on February 28.
“A new Pope has to be elected within 20 days as per norms, for which a Conclave of Cardinals will be held. All the Cardinals aged under 80 are entitled to vote and elect a new Pope,’’ the Cardinal said. There are five Cardinals from the country in the College of Cardinals, including Cardinal George Alenchery from the state.
Cleemis said this is the first abdication of a Pope since Pope Gregory stepped down in the 15th century. Cardinal Cleemis told Express that he feels that had it not been for Pope Benedict XVI, the Malankara Catholic Church would not have got an approval as a notable entity in a comparatively easy manner. “It might have taken more time. He understood the Malankara Church and its importance. My elevation itself (as Cardinal) might be on account of it. It is the scheme of God,’’ he said.
Mar Cleemis was selected as one of the Cardinals on November 24, 2012. “I cherish the moment he put the ring on my fingers while consecrating me as Cardinal,’’ he added.
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis’s disbelief over the day’s developments is, however, eclipsed by the profound and warm relationship the Pope maintained with him. “I am sure that he would continue with the zeal with which he used to intervene in various spheres,’’ the Cardinal told Express.
