Pope Resignation: Newton Pastor Struck with 'Astonishment, Sadness'
Catholics in Newton – and around the world – react to the surprising news that Pope Benedict XVI will resign at the end of the month.
Many Catholics around the world – and right here in Newton – were surprised to see Pope Benedict XVI announce Monday morning that he would resign at the end of the month. "He is a wonderful pope – it seems like it's coming out of the blue," said Father Charles Higgins, pastor at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes in Newton Upper Falls. Benedict's move is unprecedented in the modern world. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII in 1415, but that was to end a rift in the Catholic world. Benedict, 85, made his decision based on his belief that he could not perform his duties sufficiently because of his age. Although he know Benedict was "getting on in years," Higgins said he was still struck with "astonishment, surprise and sadness," when he…
In this Article:
Adam Maleson
1:08 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
This decision may show him to be a wise and responsible man. p.s. why do you need a pope anyhow? Does the Bible actually say anywhere that there needs to be a pope? Did Jesus ever make any mention of a need for a pope? He's a human being, let him go out gracefully on his own steam. Maybe the Catholic church should astonish everyone even more by declaring the position will be retired with him, and… more ›