Press Release - Pope Benedict XVI
It is with total surprise and sadness that I learnt about the resignation of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI this evening. This resignation has been confirmed by Father Federico Lombardi, Director, Vatican Press Office. The Holy Father stated, “After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.”
The reason the Holy Father gives for his resignation reflects very clearly his love for the Church and his courage. Sensing that his health was failing he did not want the Church to be in any way disadvantaged because of his person and he had the courage to do what has not taken place in the last six hundred years.
I have met Pope Benedict XVI many times and he comes across as an extremely gentle, courteous and caring shepherd of the flock entrusted to his care and yet courageously affirming the whole truth of the Catholic Church without diluting it. He is a brilliant theologian. Every talk I heard of his had some new insight.
We will surely miss a great spiritual leader for our modern times – a man of clarity of thought on religious and secular issues and unafraid and courageous to speak the truth in matters of faith and morals. India loved the Pope and we will all pray for him. At this moment we pray even more intensely for the Church that we get a leader of great holiness, wisdom, compassion and courage.
Oswald Cardinal Gracias
Archbishop of Bombay &
President, CBCI