Photo : the national news/AFP
EM Daily Focus
By Madhura S Mahesh
Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95: Conservative Christianity, Scandal and Resignation
On 31 December, Former Pope Benedict XVI died in the Vatican of old age. Known as Pope Emeritus, the 95-year-old Former Pope assumed office for eight years and was famous for his decision to resign from the papacy in 2013. His funeral led by Pope Francis will take place on 05 January. Currently, his body lies in the state of St Peter’s Basilica for the public to pay respect to. Pope Francis highlighted the work of Benedict XVI and said: “With deep feeling, we recall his person, so noble, so gentle, and we feel in the heart so much gratitude.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed sympathies to Pope Francis and said: “He spoke and will continue to speak, to the hearts and minds of people with the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual depth of his Magisterium.”
US President Joe Biden offered his condolences: “I had the privilege of spending time with Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2011 and will always remember his generosity and welcome as well as our meaningful conversation.”
Who was Benedict XVI?
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI previously known as Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger was born on 16 April 1927 in Marktl, Bavaria near the German-Austrian border, where in 1941 he was forced to enlist in the Hitler Youth during World War II. Born into a Catholic family, Ratzinger was formally ordained into the Roman Catholic Church in 1951.
In 1962 he was appointed an advisor to the Second Vatican Church and was also a theologist at the universities of Bonn, Munster and Freising. In 1977, Ratzinger was appointed as the Archbishop of Munich and was appointed as the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in 1982 by Pope John-Paul IV.
After the death of Pope John-Paul II in 2005, he was appointed as the Pope and held this position till 11 February 2013 when he resigned from the papacy citing old age.
Three issues
First, the return of conservative Christian values. After he assumed the papacy in 2005 at the age of 78, he assumed the name, Benedict XVI. He was a staunch conservative catholic priest who projected rigid views on theological and social issues. His three encyclicals criticise atheism, call for a rethink of the functioning of the international economy, and address the dwindling faith in Christianity. During his time as Pope, he worked towards bringing conservative values back into the fold of Catholicism which was started by his predecessor Pope John Paul II. He introduced policies and ideas that often clashed with the reforms of the 1962-1965 Second Vatican Council which was instrumental in the modernization of the Church. One of his policies was re-introducing the Latin Mass without the restrictions placed on by previous popes.
Second, staunch action against child abuse cases. During his papacy, many child abuse cases were reported which led to his apologizing multiple times. In his tenure in the CDF, he looked into the various child abuse cases and worked towards removing the accused priests swiftly. This spilt over in his role as Pope where he effectively dealt with accused priests and defrocked them if found guilty. As reported by AP one of the main cases handled by him was that of the Reverend Marcial Maciel who was accused of raping young seminarians and had extensive documented proof of his victims and abuses. After he was appointed as Pope, he sentenced Maciel to a lifetime of penance and prayer.
Third, first pope to resign since 1415. On 11 February 2013, Benedict XVI became the first Pope to resign from the papacy 600 years after Gregory XII. This was unique as previous popes have all died in their papacy. Benedict said that his old age is impeding his duties as Pope which involves visiting catholic churches around the world. In his speech, he said that he will continue to preach the teachings of Jesus and live a quiet life. The latter proved to be false as he then became the face of traditionalists who were unhappy with the liberal policies of Pope Francis, Benedict’s successor.
References
“Pope Francis hails 'noble and kind' Benedict as world leaders pay tribute,” The National, 01 January 2023
“Statement from President Joe Biden on the Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” whitehouse.gov, 31 December 2022
“President Meloni’s condolence message on the passing of Benedict XVI,” governo.it, 31 December 2022
“Benedict: The pope who resigned from the papacy,” BBC, 31 December 2022
Nicole Winfield “While blamed, Benedict fought sex abuse more than past popes,” AP News, 01 January 2023
Nicole Winfield “Benedict XVI, first pope to resign in 600 years, dies at 95,” AP News, 01 January 2023
IN BRIEF
By Allen Joe Mathew
FRANCE
Five challenges ahead for Macron in 2023
On 01 January, Les Echos reported on the challenges ahead for French President Emmanuel Macron in 2023. First, the issue over the pension reform, which has been a drain on the state’s finances and needs immediate reform according to the government. Raising the retirement age to 65, in line with the Touraine law. The vote support from the Les Republicans will be the decider. Second, reduction in unemployment insurance to 25 per cent and 40 per cent in the case of a fall in the unemployment rate below six per cent (The current being 7.3 per cent). This tops the list of priorities as unions pressurize the government to implement reforms. Third, controlling the purchasing power. France had put two measures in place, a cap on fuel price electricity prices. The government had introduced a fuel allowance of EUR 100 and an energy check of EUR 100 or 200 for households, which are likely to be withdrawn. Fourth, Laws related to immigration have been proposed and the bill “to control immigration, improve immigration” is being circulated among various state councils for review. Fifth, increased investment in renewable energies. France, to tackle the energy crisis has worked its Renewable Energy Act and proposes the construction of multiple onshore and offshore wind farms. The Act also introduces plans for the installation of solar panels in outdoor car parking spaces. (Alain Ruello, Gregoire Poussielgue, and Jacques Paugam, “Macron's hot issues for 2023,” Les Echos, 01 January 2023)
GERMANY
Kiel Canal resumes operations after two weeks
On 04 January, The Kiel Canal was reopened after it had been closed due to an oil spill on 21 December. It is a man-made canal connecting the North and Baltic Seas which was closed due to an oil pipeline leak near Brunsbuttel port in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. According to a Kiel-based think tank, closing the canal for two weeks had cost Germany EUR 1.6 million per day as it was the key artificial shipping lane. Germany’s Environment Minister, Tobias Goldschmidt lauded the cleaning efforts and said: “The cleaning work in Brunsbüttel is progressing well. Thanks to a great team effort, the spread of oil in the Elbe and the North Sea and thus an environmental disaster could be prevented." (Roshini Majumdar, “Germany: Key shipping lane reopens after shutdown,” Deutsche Welle, 04 January 2022)
THE UK
70 companies on four-day workweek trial
On 06 June 2022, a pilot program implementing a four-day workweek began in the UK. 70 companies took part in the program which included 3,000 employees ended on 06 December 2022. In the mid 1800's, six day work week was the norm, which changed in 1930's after prolonged campaigning to a five-day workweek. The current proposal for four-day work week is aimed at increasing the productivity at 80 per cent. Along with the UK, Spain and Italy are on the front to implement the four-day work scheme. Employees who underwent the program reported that their productivity increased and their overall work-life balance was better. Companies who have found it feasible to stick with the four-day workweek have decided to extend the plan into the future. According to one manager, the company is able to produce 101 per cent of the work, in 80 per cent of the time. ("Four-day working week: How we got here - and where next," BBC, 03 January 2023; Emma Simpson, “Four-day working week: How we got here - and where next,” BBC, 03 January 2023)
Rail workers continue to strikes increase in wages after new year
On 03 January, UK rail workers launched a fresh set of strikes shutting down over half of the UK’s railway lines despite the schedule to end after new year. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union have launched the strike to demand better wages with rising inflation. The strikes will take place from 03 January to 07 January. The UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper called on all union leaders to return to the negotiating table and added that the government has proposed a “fair pay offer.” This was refuted by union leader Mick Lynch who said that there were no new proposals from the government. (“UK trains disrupted again as workers stage fresh strikes,” Le Monde, 03 December 2023)
INTERNATIONAL
NATO Military Chiefs of Defence to discuss on Ukraine, Kosovo, and Iraq
On 02 January, NATO Military Committee’s Public Affairs and Strategic Communications wing and NATO International Military Staff announced the meeting of NATO Military Chiefs of Defence from 18 January to 19 January. The meeting will be led by Military Committee Chair, Admiral Rob Bauer. The Allied Chiefs of Defence along with Finland and Sweden will attend the meeting. The NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg is expected to discuss on the political objectives and security challenges to NATO. Some of the issues that will be discussed include the ground situation in Kosovo and a review of KFOR’s and NATO’s military support to Ukraine. The Committee will also discuss NATO’s non-combative and capacity-building Mission in Iraq. (“NATO Military Chiefs of Defence Meeting - 18-19 January 2023,” nato.int, 02 January 2023)
War in Ukraine: Day 314
By Padmashree Anandhan
War on the Ground
On 03 January, Ukrinform reported on discovery of a torture chamber in the regional police department of Kherson. In the investigation it identified evidence of residents, law enforcement officers and patriots being tortured in seven chambers.
On 03 January, Ukraine’s Strategic Communications of the Office predicted the upcoming winter to be challenging for Ukraine and Russia. Despite the harsh climate conditions, it views two advantages for Ukraine as it will be able to defend better from its own ground and flowing support from international. The challenges it sees ahead is the low temperatures which will make it difficult in deployment of forces, thereby increasing the demand for more health care services, thereby affecting the overall offensive.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 03 January, RT reported on increase in the import of gold by Switzerland from Russia. According to the report, Swiss exports of pharmaceutical goods surmounted by 19 per cent, and imports from Russia increase by 54 per cent since 2022. Although the metal manufacturers and dealers have denied partnering in import of Russian gold, Swiss Customs data recorded 6.4 tonnes of gold worth USD 370 million from Russia in November.
On 03 January, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed on destroying the HIMARS rocket launchers in Druzhkovka railway station and Kramatorsk. It also claimed on using its air force for precision strikes that destroyed 130 mercenaries in Kramatorsk and Maslyakovka. On the strike in Makiivka, Russia which previously claimed 63 to be dead, has updated it to 89 and blamed Ukraine for tracing the location of soldiers through their phones. According to Lieutenant General Sergei Sevryukov: “But it is already obvious that the main reason... was the turning on and massive use by personnel of mobile phones within reach of enemy weapons contrary to the ban.”