‘Courageous’ decision of Pope saluted by Bishop Lee
The shock announcement that Pope Benedict XVI is to resign from his position at the end of this month stunned the world Catholic community on Monday.
However the decision has also been lauded as a courageous one, and among those who have praised the pontiff is Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, William Lee.
The bishop paid tribute to Pope Benedict, who has been the leader of the world’s Catholics since his election in April 2005. He is the first pope to resign in 600 years and it is reported that his decision even came as a surprise to aides.
Following the announcement Bishop Lee said: “Pope Benedict’s announcement has shocked and surprised everybody but we salute the courage of his decision. Clearly this decision has come after much prayer and reflection as he recognises that his deteriorating health prevents him from adequately fulfilling the ministry entrusted to him.
“Pope Benedict was a clear and courageous preacher of the Gospel and teacher of the faith. He often spoke of the significance of eternal truths especially the importance of keeping our faith in God. He emphasised the contribution faith communities make to the discussion of values and standards in today’s society. Some values such as human life, protecting children, equality amongst people, our responsibility for the poor, respect for God’s creation, he spoke and wrote about again and again.”
Bishop Lee also spoke about his own meeting with Pope Benedict. “I had the privilege of meeting Pope Benedict on a number of occasions. My abiding memory was of a prayerful, thoughtful and above all a gentle man.
“Pope Benedict was an outstanding writer and theologian. In his remarkable and touching books on Jesus of Nazareth he wrote clearly and profoundly on the person of Jesus and the church’s message in the 21st century.
“We assure Pope Benedict of our prayers at this time. Pray too for the Church and the upcoming conclave to elect a worthy successor as Bishop of Rome to meet the challenges of our time.”
Pope Benedict will step down on February 28 and under Canon Law a conclave of the college of cardinals will then be held in the Sistine Chapel to elect the new pontiff, who is expected to be in place before Easter, at the end of March.
Lay tributes from Ireland have been lead by President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Cardinal Seán Brady, who will be the only Irish man to vote in the papal conclave, said that while the announcement came as a shock to him “we can be certain that Pope Benedict has made this decision after very careful and prayerful reflection.”
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