The Holy Father has resigned on health grounds, there is a precedent, albeit from the year 1295, but Pope Benedict XVI always made it subconciously clear that were he to become incapacitated, he would step down from this office. He is both radical and stubborn! The Catholic Church will most certainly be shocked, saddended, and dismayed, but already this has been described as an "act of self-sacrifice" by a man not prepared to see the Church suffer as a result of his increasing frailty. Benedict XVI's achievements as pontiff have been remarkable, renewing the worship of the Church, reconnecting it to the deep piety of the past; creating new links with non-Catholics by bringing ex-Anglicans into the fold. Surely he feels now unable to continue ruling. As a Catholic I of course feel greatly saddened. Not only is he a great theologian, but also a remarkable pastor. May the remainder of his life be a time of much joy and peace. Thanks be to God for the ministry of Benedict XVI.
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
