Here are some of the most beautiful and captivating responses to the news of the Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announcement:
“A gesture of love towards the Church — these words sum up Pope Benedict’s decision, a decision that was pondered carefully.” – Cattaneo, Italian politician
“Pope Benedict is a man with an extraordinary personality, not afraid to draw attention to his physical frailty in order to put the well-being of the Church first.” – Castagnetti, Italian political leader
“We accept this decision with faith and serenity.” – Cardinal Angelo Scola
“His choice makes us sad, but we admire him because he sends the world a clear message of integrity, courage, and hope.” – Gasbarra, a local political leader from Rome
“It is our duty to recognize the greatness of a Pope who was able to see right at the heart of the crisis of our times, to see beyond the economic crisis, a crisis of values. For this we thank him. Usually these words are spoken when a Pope passes away . . . This time, the Pope is still here with us and we can speak these words to him while we are fully aware that he will continue his mission of moral leadership.” – Angelino Alfano
“He unified Catholics and reached out to schismatic groups in hopes of drawing them back to the Church. More unities us than divides us – he said by word and deed.” – Archbishop Timothy Dolan.
“We should respect the decision of His Holiness to pass on his ministry in a selfless gesture, on health grounds, in the best interest of the church.” – First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond
“On behalf of Americans everywhere, Michelle and I wish to extend our appreciation and prayers to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Michelle and I warmly remember our meeting with the Holy Father in 2009, and I have appreciated our work together over these last four years. The Church plays a critical role in the United States and the world, and I wish the best to those who will soon gather to choose his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI’s successor.”- President Barack Obama
“In his visit to the United Kingdom, Pope Benedict showed us all something of what the vocation of the Sea of Rome can mean in practice – a witness to the universal scope of the gospel and a messenger of hope at a time when Christian faith is being called into question.” – Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby
What is your response to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announcement?
Thank you, Pope Benedict XVI for your leadership during the past 8 years. You are in our prayers. God bless you.
Well done, god and faithful servant.
Thankyou Pope Benedict for the years that you have given us. You will be very much missed but never forgotten My prayers go with you and again Thankyou
God bless you Pope Benedict Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your generosity of your kindness. Thank you for being a true follower of God, guiding us to find the right way to do the right thing. Pray to the Holy Spirit For you to find Health and guidance with whatever you do in retirement.
Thank you and God Bless you Pope Benedict. You truly are a world leader of integrity and class, and I know that God has led you to this decision now. Now when it will bring the Catholic Church into the limelight and make people think about God our Father! God is so awesome and I think it is just so fabulous that you are doing something that hasn’t been done in 600 years. God is speaking through you and your actions and I know He will lead us to our next Pope. May God Bless you abundantly!
Coincidence is God’s anonymity . He announced it on sick day and Virgin Lourdes Holy water to drink! And before our lent season.
He did it in Latin!! Those cardinals that are not fluent , LOL saw other reaction.
Initially sad and uncertainty then admired his Humility of Putting our church before his own , happy and excited for being alive to see this Historical event 300 years WOW! If the holy Spirit guided him will guide our New PoPe also. He was not only a “Transition” in a Good way in these modern time. He deserved to retired in prayer quietly as he want it ! It was hard to see such a physical active PoPe John paul II unable to even lift his head and prepare us for his dead, but he has Cardinal Ratzinger to support him and help him! . He still a Cardinal ? He still the Bishop of Rome and he will be available as those ex-president for assistance when ask. Some world leaders should learn .
PoPe Benedict and the Holy Spirit will not let US be Orphan’s
Thank you dear Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI for your prayers and all-out efforts to serve the flock for eight years despite your sufferings. May God continue to bless you with strength and inspiration to pray for us and offer your pains for the unity of the peoples in the faith.
May you find peace,tranquility and happiness on your next journey, that the Lord is guiding you towards. Thank you Holy Father and may God Bless you.
HOLY FATHER
May Our LORD Bless You and always walk by your side .
Thank you Holy father, for all that you have done for our church. You are truly guided by the Holy Spirit. You will be missed. May God continue to bless you.