Theological experts have agreed that Pope Francis’ homily at Benedict XVI’s funeral on Thursday cannot be considered cold or distant because the norm obliges priests not to give a «eulogy», that is, a speech praising a person, at funeral Masses.
«There are eulogies to his predecessor but not excessive ones because, as it is taught, in the liturgy one should not make a eulogy of the deceased but a contained eulogy. He has spoken of that wisdom, delicacy and dedication with which Benedict was all his life a servant of the Lord,» said the professor of theology at Comillas Pontifical University, Angel Cordovilla, in statements to Europa Press, after the funeral.
In any case, he stressed that «the eulogy is there but it is sober and contained». In fact, he emphasized that Francis gave Benedict XVI the greatest praise that can be given to a Christian: to say that one makes present the surrender of Christ. «If Benedict XVI heard it, it would be the greatest praise,» he added.
He also considers it an «unconditional praise» that Bergoglio has quoted in his homily up to four times his predecessor, «four fundamental texts», among them, the homily at the beginning of Ratzinger’s pontificate.
CLOSENESS IN PRAYING AND TOUCHING THE COFFIN He also highlighted the gesture of «closeness» that Francis made at the end of the Mass, when he approached the coffin, touched it and prayed for a few seconds while standing before it. «Perhaps to some, the words may have seemed distant or cold, and (with this gesture) Francis wanted to show that closeness to him. What he wanted to say in the homily, he wanted to express with a gesture,» said Cordovilla.
As for the cries of ‘Sudden Saint’ that were heard at the end of the funeral Mass, a message that was also seen on some banners in St. Peter’s Square, the expert showed his «reservation» with the fact that popes are canonized «in such an immediate way» and was in favor of «putting a little distance and time».
«I take nothing away from the wisdom, dedication and life of holiness that Benedict XVI has had, I believe that everyone clearly recognizes his magisterium as one of great luminosity and wisdom, but I would be more in favor of allowing some time. I do not think it is entirely appropriate for the Church to constantly canonize its pontiffs in such an immediate manner», explained the professor at Comillas Pontifical University.
In this sense, he suggested «to let time put the necessary light to judge with a more historical perspective on which figures of sanctity are to be highlighted» and not to canonize immediately because «it could give the impression that it is a kind of self-affirmation».
In any case, he stressed that it is «significant» that the faithful themselves are asking for it and pointed out that it reminds him of the funeral of John Paul II when those present also asked that he be declared a saint.
FRANCISCO’S PERSONAL FAREWELL For his part, the professor of the Faculty of Theology of the University San Dámaso Raúl Orozco has described as «endearing» the liturgy of the funeral Mass of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and, in particular, has highlighted the gesture of Francis, at the end of the Mass, when he approached the coffin to give him his «personal farewell».
«It has been an endearing liturgy, profound and from the sense that Benedict XVI had with respect to the liturgy: that in the end who has to prevail is God», Raul Orozco has valued in statements to Europa Press, after the funeral Mass of the Pope Emeritus.
Specifically, about the homily, he considers that it was in line with the style of Pope Francis, «very focused on the figure of Christ» and agrees that it was not distant because at funerals «it is not about making a panegyric».
«As the rubrics of the funeral ritual teach us, the homily of a funeral is not about making a eulogy, the homily what it means is to comment on the readings and that is what the Pope has done,» he said.
In his opinion, Bergoglio has been able to «capture in a beautiful, simple and humble way» and with a «homily of great depth» the pontificate of the Pope Emeritus, referring to him as the ‘faithful friend of the spouse’, recognizing «the Petrine, episcopal and priestly ministry» of Benedict XVI and his «deep spirituality».
On the requests of the faithful of ‘Santo súbito’, Orozco also agreed that the Church «will have to make this discernment» and stressed that it is important that there is «a reputation for holiness».
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
