The Vatican reported early morning that the Pope would be resigning at the end of this month.
Pope Benedict announced his resignation effective February 28, 2013, catching the world by surprise. The thought of a living pope resigning his post has comment boards across the world by Catholics and non-Catholics alike, abuzz with chatter. With his resignation, ends six centuries of tradition .
The pope was said to make his announcement that “before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise.”
In 1990, I can remember visiting the Vatican with my husband and two children on our way to Kenya, Africa on a medical mission’s trip. The faith of the people was remarkable and their respect for the office of the Pope was quite evident. Long lines formed at St. Peter’s Square, everyone was waiting for an opportunity to touch and be graced by the presence of the Pope. Just as their faith was alive then, I’m sure it is still today.
Spiritual leadership when it is disrupted, impact’s believers
everywhere. Although I am not a Catholic, my prayers abound for those who are and pray their journey today, takes them by faith.