Statement of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington On the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

February 11, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Thomas F. Shaughnessy
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Statement of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington On the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

Lexington. Following Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement of his resignation this morning, Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, released the following statement:

“While we are saddened by the news of the Holy Father’s resignation, all must admire the great courage in his decision. Humility has always been one of the hallmarks of Pope Benedict’s life and ministry, and he shows that humility once again in his recognition of the limitations of his age in the face of the awesome demands of the Petrine ministry.

“In the eight years of his papacy, the Holy Father has used his considerable gifts for the Universal Church and for all peoples of the world: the gentleness of a pastor, the intellect of a scholar, and the boldness in speaking the truth of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

“Recurring themes in Benedict’s papacy have been the importance of eternal truths for the modern world and the danger of what he termed the ‘dictatorship of relativism.’ He has been unflinching as champion of the sacredness of all human life and in defending the poor and vulnerable.

“I thank God for his eight years of self-sacrificing ministry as the successor of St. Peter. I encourage everyone to pray for Pope Benedict that God will give him strength and peace during this transition and pray for the particular guidance of the Holy Spirit for the Church and the College of Cardinals as they prepare for the election of the new pope.”

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