Jinxed Benedict

Departures from papacy except by death are rare. It is therefore interesting to note that of these rare exits by resignation, three were by Popes named Benedict.

Even more odd is the fatal combination of Benedict and the Roman numerals I,V and X.

The three Popes are Benedict V  (22.5.964 to 23.6.964), Benedict IX (1032 to 1044, April to May 1045 and 1047 to 1048) and now Benedict XVI.

Benedict IX was the only one to head the Catholic Church more than once, was one of the youngest and sadly one of the most immoral.

Pope's leadership

Pope Benedict XVI has proved that he is a very good leader. He knows when to quit. His advice that when one is physically, psychologically or spiritually unequal to the task ahead, it is time to call it a day is a valuable lesson in leadership.

Critics may argue that there have been too many distasteful happenings under his watch. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II carried on till the end unmindful of his Parkinson's disability and consequent embarrassment in the Vatican. Cardinal Ratzinger as the present Pope was called then, learnt a lesson from this. Ability to learn from others' mistakes is another great quality of leaders.

Pope Benedict XVI is happier in the company of books rather than humanbeings. We may hopefully expect a few more books from him.