STATEMENT on the RESIGNATION of
POPE BENEDICT XVI
Cardinal Roger M. MahonyArchbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles
PopeBenedict XVI has been an extraordinary Successor to St. Peter these past eightyears, and I thank God for the graces and blessings which have come to theChurch and to the world during his Pontificate.
Itwas my privilege to participate in the Conclave of April 2005 when PopeBenedict was elected. I recall soclearly his words when he told the Cardinals that he was choosing the name ofBenedict because of his fondness for the prayerfulness and the Rule of St.Benedict, and also because Pope Benedict XV [1914—1920] served during a time ofturmoil and wars across the world.
PopeBenedict XVI began his Petrine ministry from a firm foundation of prayer,holiness, and remarkable scholarship. Before the end of 2005 he issued DeusCaritas Est, a letter on the virtue and gift of charity and love among thedisciples of Jesus Christ. Two morefollowed: one on hope in 2007, the thirdon faith in 2009.
Hishomilies and addresses were so amazing because he was not speaking about JesusChrist as a topic, but he was speaking about Jesus from a deep and intimateknowledge of Jesus himself. It was thatattraction to the person of Jesus Christ which flowed from all his manyteachings for the Church and the world.
Surelyone of his great legacies will be a continuing emphasis on the need for allCatholics to exercise their role as evangelizers in the world. His focus upon the new evangelization willcontinue to enliven all disciples of Jesus.
TheChurch will continue to be blessed by his prayer lifted up for the needs of theworld, as well as by his writings which will continue to nourish the minds,hearts and souls of Catholics around the world.
Ilook forward to traveling to Rome soon to help thank Pope Benedict XVI for hisgifted service to the Church, and to participate in the Conclave to elect hissuccessor.
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