Four of the world’s major Christian denominations have
changed leadership in the space of just a few months. If we cast our eyes beyond Rome and the Catholic Church and look at Christianity from a global perspective, there is another element that strikes us about Benedict XVI’s resignation: amidst the coincidences and personal choices, a general handover is taking place among Christianity’s most important international figures.
One of the most interesting points, is the comparison between Benedict XVI and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who also unexpectedly handed in his resignation just a few months ago.
Justin Welby was nominated as his successor in November and the handover process is currently underway. Just like Ratzinger, Williams was a leader and an intellectual and is now retiring to a life of study. Like Benedict XVI he experienced all the difficulties of leading a community shaken by serious internal tensions.
The Eastern Churches were also affected by two important events involving the death of a couple of long-time patriarchs. In November a new pope, Tawadros II, was appointed as leader of Egypt’s Copts. He took over from Shenouda III who had led this ancient Church for over forty years.
Then, last Sunday the new Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Youhanna X, was enthroned in Damascus just a few hours before Benedict XVI’s shock announcement . Youhanna X was elected in December following the death of his predecessor, Ignace IV Hazim.
When one considers that the Patriarch of Moscow Kiril’s election was also relatively recent – he took charge in 2009 after the death of Alessio II – the only long-reigning Christian leader that remains is the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, who has been practicing his ministry since 1991 (he is still only 73 years old as he was elected at a very young age).
So, in a way, it is global Christianity that is turning a new page, bringing with it a new generation of leaders who look likely to influence the ecumenical path for a long time to come.
There is also something else that is worth underlining: until now, the changeover has also been generational. All three archbishops and patriarchs who were elected or nominated in recent months were chosen from among the youngest candidates: Justin Welby (57), Youhanna X (56) and Tawadros II (60).
This is an interesting trend when interpreted in the context of Benedict XVI’s words about “today’s world” being “subject to so many changes.”