Montgomery County Reacts: Who Should Be the Next Pope?
Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would step down as head of the Catholic Church.
The announcement that Pope Benedict XVI—the supreme pontiff of the Catholic Church—would step down from the papacy, becoming the first man to relinquish the role in nearly 600 years, surprised Catholics worldwide. The 85-year-old pope, who assumed his post in 2005 after the death of John Paul II, declared that his "strength of mind and body ... has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me." "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," Benedict wrote. The resignation is effective Feb. 28. A Vatican spokesman said the College of …
Richard Rice
2:44 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Brigitta, How right you are. Let us continue to pray for unity, discretion and dignity in all denominations; not just Roman Catholicism. The God of creation will be our judge now and in the Life in Glory yet to come!!! more ›