Tweet

Rating: 0.0 (0 votes)

• • 

JEFFERSON CITY - John R. Gaydos, Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City commented on Pope Benedict XVI's resignation from the Papacy of the Catholic Church Monday morning.

Bishop Gaydos statement reads:

"As our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, prepares to retire from his ministry as Universal Pastor of the Church, all of the people of God in our Diocese of Jefferson City offer fervent thanks to God for the nearly eight years that Pope Benedict has exercised the Petrine ministry. He has taught clearly and wisely, he has ruled gently and firmly, he has prayed with and for us and the whole world.

I am grateful that our Holy Father has come to this prayerful decision, and ask all of our Local Church and all people of good will to join together in praying to God for the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit during this time of transition for the Catholic Church throughout the world."

This statement comes after Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation at 4:42 Monday morning.

Pope Benedict XVI said that his strengths due to an advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine Ministry.

The 85-year-old announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican Cardinals.