Green Bay Bishop Reacts to Pope's Resignation
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Green Bay Bishop Reacts to Pope's Resignation Video by nbc26.com
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GREEN BAY, WI--Pope Benedict the 16th is stepping down at the end of the month. The 85-year-old pope announced his resignation Monday morning during a small meeting df Vatican cardinals.
A pope hasn't resigned since the 15th century. The news is taking northeast Wisconsin's Catholic community by surprise, including Green Bay's Bishop, David Ricken.
It's a bittersweet time for all Catholics in northeast wisconsin. Bishop Ricken says although the church is saddened by the news the catholic community is grateful for Pope Benedict's eight years of service.
At a news conference the bishop said he found out about the pope's resignation while watching the news on TV. The bishop says say he understands the pope's reasoning, citing health concerns in his resignation.
He says that's something to be considered...When the college of cardinals selects the next pope.
"It's very physically taxing to keep up with the Pope's schedule especially today when there are so many demands on his time and his presence and he's made many trips throughout the world to promote the gospel and to welcome people to the church." said Bishop Ricken.
Bishop Ricken says Pope Benedict's lasting legacies are his teachings and the re-evangelization of the Church, in other words bringing people closer to Jesus Christ.
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