For
Maronite Patriarch Card Béchara Boutros Raï, the pope's resignation on grounds
of age is an example of responsible behaviour. Today, the head of the Maronite Church paid tribute to Benedict XVI's courage and sincerity, noting that the pope's renunciation of his ministry as of 28 February has sent "positive" shockwaves across the world.
The pontiff's decision is a model on how to perform one's duties, the patriarch explained, that he offers to those in positions of responsibility in the world, whether Church, government and civil society.
In an official statement, Patriarch Raï said that "In the year of Faith inaugurated by the Holy Father on 11 October 2012, this announcement that has shocked the world, has [also] sent a positive shock in the hearts and constitutes a [good] model of behaviour."
"It is a great act of faith, courage and sincerity," the head of the Maronite Church said. "This decision represents a lesson for everyone. It shows that faith is a great act of love towards Christ and his Church, an act of total surrender to God's will, and a deep show of abnegation and humility."
Speaking about the pope's address to the cardinals in which he announced his decision, Patriarch Raï reminded the faithful in Lebanon who did not know the entire text that Benedict XVI explicitly referred to his "conscience".
The patriarch explained that the pope said that he made his decision "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry."
A lesson for all
"What a great lesson for all those who are in important positions in the Church, society or government," said the head of the Maronite Church. This is especially true for a country, Lebanon, deeply affected by corruption at the political and administrative levels.
"This responsibility must be exercised in full conscience," the cardinal added. "We must always go back to it, listen to the voice of God interrogating our hearts and minds, ensuring that the mission in the service of the common good is fulfilled, that it is good for everyone."
In his statement, the Maronite Patriarch also pointed out that Benedict XVI's last missionary trip was to Lebanon, on 14-16 September, when he signed the Apostolic Exhortation 'The Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness'.
In order to validate Lebanon's vocation and key role in the region, the pope made the Maronite patriarch a cardinal in order "to boost his patriarchal ministry within the universal Church (24 November 2012).
The pontiff also gave young Lebanese (under the patriarch's guidance) the task of preparing the meditations for the Via Crucis on Good Friday, 29 March.
Benedict XVI was keen on doing this in recognition of the meeting he had with Lebanese youth on 15 September 2012, "which deeply touched his heart."