The following are some of the Pope’s most telling comments from yesterday:
“To love the church means also to have the courage to take difficult, painful decisions, always keeping the good of the church in mind, not oneself.
“I have had moments of joy and light, but also moments that haven’t been easy… moments of turbulent seas and rough winds, as has occurred in the history of the church when it seemed like the Lord was sleeping.”
“I have taken this step with the full understanding of the seriousness and also novelty of the decision, but with a profound serenity in my soul.”
Today is Benedict’s final day as Pope, and as early as this coming Monday the cardinal electors will begin their deliberations into the election of the next Pontiff. With so much attention on allegations against high ranking members of the clergy, the election of the next leader of Roman Catholicism has an added significance.
Following his formal resignation today, Benedict will be known as Pope Emeritus.
Thoughts?