Bishop: Papal resignation ‘act of great humility and courage’

By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

BROWNSVILLE – Local clergymen are reacting to news that Pope Benedict XVI will be resigning at the end of the month, February 28.

With so many questions raised regarding the current situation with the Catholic Church, Bishop Daniel E. Flores of the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville released a statement regarding the matter.

“We should see this decision as an act of great humility and courage,” said Flores in the statement. “In renouncing the highest office in the Church, the Holy Father’s thoughts have been focused upon the future of the Church. The Holy Father is thinking more about what the Church needs in the days to come and not thinking about himself.”

Flores, who was appointed as Bishop for the Diocese of Brownsville by Benedict in 2009, seemed to empathize with the pope, who will be 86 in April.

“He very simply stated that he thinks that this moment in history requires someone with greater physical strength and stamina to govern the Catholic Church spread throughout the world. It would be difficult for any of us to imagine the grueling schedule that the Holy Father has maintained since his election,” continued Flores.

Benedict announced that he would be resigning from his position on Monday, February 11, due to deteriorating health. This marks the first time a pope has stepped down in approximately 600 years since Gregory XII.

According to reports, Benedict underwent a heart procedure three months ago to repair a pacemaker, which was initially fitted before Benedict became Pope nearly eight years ago.

“For us now it is a moment to be grateful to God for the gift of Pope Benedict XVI, and it is a moment for us to pray that God will inspire and illuminate the minds of the cardinals who will gather shortly after the 28th to elect a new pope,” said Flores. “I ask all Catholics in the Rio Grande Valley to remember Pope Benedict in their prayers, and to pray for the one who will be called to succeed him. The life of the Church is in the hands of God, we are all his servants.”

Read this story in the Feb. 13 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.