Pope Benedict XVI has said he is standing down for “the good of the church”, as he made his first public appearance since his shock announcement that he is to tender the first papal resignation since the Middle Ages.
Amid the cheers and tears of the faithful who had turned out in force to witness his audience in the Vatican, the outgoing pontiff thanked them for their “love and prayer”.
Standing ovation
“Keep praying for me, for the church and for the future pope,” he added, after a standing ovation from the thousands of people assembled in the audience hall.
“I did this in full freedom for the good of the church after praying for a long time and examining my conscience before God,” he said.
The Pope (85), who appeared strong, said he had experienced the kindness of worshippers “almost physically”. He will later hold the Ash Wednesday Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. It had been scheduled for a smaller venue on the Aventine hill, but the plans were changed in the aftermath of his announcement.
© Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2013
Keywords: Pope Benedict XVI, Pope's resignation, Vatican
It is a perfect example of a 'Servant Leadership' modelling Christ, the TRUE LEADER. He has always called himself to be a servant both for the Church and the Society. His eight year period has been remarkable for quite many visits he made to the countries and engaged with the world political leaders, especially his visits to USA, England, Germany, and at UN are of great value.
It sets a good example not only for those who succeed him but also for the leaders across the world that they are primarily 'Servants' representatives of the divine to serve people and conduct the affairs of the SOciety on Justice.
You have not only tried to bring in lots of reforms within the Church, your dedicated services to the world across shall go down with great praise in the annals of the history of the world. Continue to pray for us and enrich us with your deep theological reflections for the good of the Church and Society as well. We continue to pray for you and the Church.
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