Pope Benedict XV’s resignation brings mixed reactions of appreciation and sadness to Catholics all over the world including Filipino Catholics for his tireless devotion regardless of his age to his flock and sadness about his health.
My first audience with Pope Benedict was in 2008 Sydney World Youth Day where I was one of the Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers at the public mass held at Randwick. Thousands of Catholic and non-Catholics were present at the mass which shows that the Pope was popular to all denominations.
Catholics will pray that the new Pope who will be elected in March is one with faith, courage and vision that will bring the Catholic Church to address the challenges we are all in. May the Lord bless us all. – Atty. Lolita Farmer, OAM , President, Global Filipinos Australia
I respect the decision of Pope Benedict XV in stepping down and in admitting his limitations to continue leading the Church and the Catholics all over the world. I will remember him for all the good things, hard decisions and innovations he has done for the Church most particularly the Sainthood of Mary Mackillop. Since he had spent hours praying and contemplating, I believe he had arrived at this decision with God’s blessing. –Atty. Aida Garcia, President, Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA)
The surprised resignation of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI draws great affection to him and greater understanding to the demands on his role. It reminds us of the humanity of the Vicar of Christ and the need for a smooth transition to the papacy. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the dynamism and universality of the Living Church and prayerfully hope that the next Pope comes from Asia or Africa. – Atty. Jess Diaz, Councillor, City of Blacktown, NSW
In the initial few minutes that I heard the news that the Pope had announced his immediate resignation, I was in great disbelief and somehow had a feeling of being ‘abandoned’. I wondered why not even delay it til the Holy Week. Then I prayed and afterwards felt assured that the Holy Spirit had guided him in making such an important decision and that he was being realistic that his frailty might mean great difficulty in coping with additional activities and ceremonies that are held during Easter period. In effect he was making way for someone who could easily undertake all the rigorous demands of the position and all the events. I join all the Catholic Church followers in praying that we get a Pope who would not only give us spiritual nourishment but also one who would guide us to tackle issues that impact our lives. – Violi Calvert, Community broadcaster and freelance journalist
Everyone was surprised when Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation last Monday as Head of the Catholic Church effective 28 February 2013. His age and the demands of office including frequent travel to be physically close to the people were the major reasons given for his resignation. The last time a pope resigned was reportedly 600 years ago. Before he resigned Pope Benedict XVI visited the tomb of Pope Clement V to pray and seek guidance….. His resignation has brought some speculations on what he will be called and what he will be doing during retirement. I believe it will be the same treatment accorded to retiring bishop – remember the Pope is Bishop of Rome. There are challenges ahead for the Catholic Church, but I know the Lord will be there to guide the next Pope. – Jun Relunia, former President, Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia (ADOLP)