The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI: An Abandonment of the Cross? A Theology of the Papal Ministry in the Light of the Theology of the Cross.

An essay is presented on the theological issues and questions related to the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, highlighting the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. It states that Pope Benedict made history when he announced his resignation due to the deterioration of his physical capacity. It examines whether papal resignation is similar to abandonment of the cross, the apostolic ministry in Pope John Paul II's theology, and the implications of Benedict's resignation to future papacies.