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Many Catholics awoke Monday morning to news from the Vatican about the Holy Father and his resignation announcement.Holy Father's resignation announcement
In his message, Benedict XVI shared, "After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me."
Read the entire announcement from Vatican News
Benedict XVI was elected in 2005 and will be the first pope to resign in more than 600 years. He will serve until February 28, and then the process of electing a new successor of Peter will begin.
Please pray for our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, for the Catholic Church and for all the cardinals who will prepare to select a pope with guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Information on the process of electing a new pope (USCCB.org)
More information on Benedict XVI and his resignation (USCCB.org)