SPOKANE, Wash. – Early Monday, Pope Benedict
XVI announced his decision to resign during a small meeting of Vatican
Cardinals.
Benedict is the first pope in modern history
to step down. In fact, this is the first time a Pope has resigned in 600 years.
The news was unexpected for many Catholics around the world, as well as, for
churches here in Spokane.
"Pope Benedict indicated that he has grown weak under the
burden of years and has determined that before God it would be better for the
church if he would step down," said Father Darrin Connall at Cathedral Of Our
Lady Of Lourdes Monday during mass.
Benedict is a leader to more than one
billion Catholics worldwide and it is clear he will be missed.
"My initial reaction was of
great sadness because he is a great Pope and he
has been internationally recognized as the greatest mind of the century," said
Mass attendee Terry Lundrigan.
Lundrigan was not the only one in attendance
who felt sad when hearing the news.
"Yeah sad, because he is such a great
leader, but I'm also hopeful that the next one coming up will have more energy
if that was hard for him," Lisa Shortell said.
Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Lourdes in downtown
Spokane, displayed Pope Benedict's picture during Mass and took a moment to pray
for his health.
Father Connall said the Pope's decision to
resign is already impacting services.
"I noticed that mass attendance at the noon
service was a little more than usual," Father Connall said. "I think it is on
people's minds and hearts."
He also says it is somewhat telling that the
Pope would choose today for his announcement. February 11th is world
day of prayer for the sick. It is a day when Catholics take time to pray and
care for those who are sick in a special way.
"It is very interesting that the holy father
chose this day to tell us that he is sick," Father Connall said. "He has grown
weak under the burden of years and needs to set down the office of St. Peter."
The
Cardinals will meet to choose a new Pope some time after Benedict resigns on
February 28th. Benedict will not be involved in the
decision.
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