The death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (16th) has brought attention to the whole “emeritus” position seldom held in the Catholic church. The dictionary defines the word “Emeritus” as, “retired but retaining an honorary title corresponding to that held immediately before retirement.”
From a strictly scriptural standpoint (an often neglected but important view) there is no mention of a position or title of a “Pope” in the New Testament Church, therefore there could be no “Emeritus Pope.” “God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers” (1 Co. 12:28a). But no Popes.
Nor could any Pope be the head of the church, for Christ is “the head of the body, the church,” so that “He “will have first place in everything” (Co. 1:18). And, “To Him be glory in the church,” we are told “to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:21). Since Christ has not “retired,” He alone remains the head of the Church. “in heaven and on earth” (Mt. 28:18). Nor do we read of any “emeritus” apostles or prophets. Let us remain true to the teachings of the scriptures concerning the church, and not the invented traditions of men.
-Dennis Doughty
