Pope Benedict XVI Says to Resign February 28

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday announced he will resign on February 28, a Vatican spokesman told AFP, which will make him the first pope to do so in centuries. A staunch traditionalist, his time as pontiff was the subject of scandal and criticism as he struggled to guide the Church in to the 21st Century.

Published

4 months ago

Categories

World

Topics

Religion & Spirituality, Europe

People

Benedict Xvi, Pope Benedict Xvi, Joseph Ratzinger

Places

Germany, Italy, Rome, Berlin

Transcript

SCRIPT: This was the moment that almost one and a half billion Catholics around the world had been waiting for... NAT SOUND: "Habemus Papum…Cardinal Ratzinger" (Announcement before Cardinal Ratzinger appears on the balcony, followed by cheers) April 19th 2005 - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was named Pope Benedict XVI. The intellectual theorist from Germany had been chosen to succeed the charismatic John Paul II at age 78. NAT SOUND: Pope Benedict XVI (Prayer after being anointed as Pope on the balcony) But then came a scandal so big that it rocked the entire Catholic Church - an announcement that Vatican officials were involved in covering-up several abuse cases, committed by priests against children. During his visit to the United States, Benedict XVI became the first Pope to make a public apology for these atrocities. SOUNDBITE 1 : Pope Benedict XVI (Speech on the plane, in front of Bishops, criticising sexual abuse, English 18 secs): "It's hard to understand how priests have failed their mission to teach the love of the Lord to these children. We are deeply ashamed and we will do everything we can to ensure this does not happen again in the future." For many, this may be Pope Benedict XVI's greatest legacy. SOUNDBITE 2: VOX POP (man, Pope supporter, Italian, 24 secs) "One thing is certain: he is the man who dared to restore the image of the Church. Within the Church, as with other institutions, there will always be good and bad things. But Pope Benedict XVI will improve the Church's image, like no other Pope has done before." But others have been less complimentary. Aside from the paedophilia scandal, Benedict XVI was also criticised for his ultra-conservative ideology. Many accused him of being 'out of touch' with the modern world. Even in his native Germany, his strict views on homosexuality, female priests, abortion and euthanasia were often seen as extremely outdated. And some accused him of letting theological dogma override his responsbilities as Head of the Catholic Church. SOUNDBITE 3: Bruno Bartoloni, Journalist and writer specialising in the Vatican (Italian, 25sec) "He had shown the limits of his powers: when speaking as a theologian, he forgot his duties as Head of the Church. He committed many mistakes, we all know that. For example, his discussions with the Arab world on moral issues. I think this Pope will be quickly forgotten, he won't leave a lasting impression" In his later years he had been prone to illness. In 2011, Christmas Eve mass was brought forward by 2 hours to protect his health. Benedict XVI is likely to be remembered as a transitional Pope,unable to shake off the shadow of his more popular predecessor, John Paul II. His cardinals will now have the difficult task of finding a new, more charismatic leader, able to face the challenges of the 21st Century. SHOTLIST: ROME, APRIL 19, 2005, SOURCE: TELEPACE -MS of smoke coming out of chimney of Sistine Chapel. -MS of bell ringing. -Natural Sound "Habemus Papem... Cardinal Ratzinger" -CU Cardinal announcing Ratzinger as the next Pope. -MS of crowds cheering and celebrating. -Shot of a zoom in to a crucifix held by someone in the crowd. -WS crowds cheering in St Peters square. -VAR Cardinal Ratzinger appearing on the balcony for the first time as Pope. ROME, MARCH 26, 2010, SOURCE: AFPTV -VAR close ups of newspaper headlines on the Catholic Church abuse scandal. US, APRIL 21, 2008, SOURCE: AFPTV (NB this one does not give the shoot date so I have dated it with the broadcast date) -VAR Pope on board a plane during a visit to the US. -MS of media on board the same plane. 52244. SOUNDBITE 1 - Pope Benedict "It's difficult for me to understand.... ROME, JANUARY 4, 2012, SOURCE: AFPTV -VAR St Peters square. SOUNDBITE 2 - "One thing is certain , he is the man who dared to restore the image of the Church..." BERLIN, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, SOURCE: AFPTV -VAR people protesting against the Pope in Germany. ROME, JANUARY 4, 2012, SOURCE: AFPTV -Shot of souvenir stalls in St Peter's square. -MS of two nuns walking on St Peter's square. -SOUNDBITE 3 - Expert SOT... I think he will be quickly forgotten. ROME, DECEMBER 24, 2011, SOURCE: TELEPACE -VAR shots of Pope Benedict giving midnight mass in 2011.