Bye-bye, Papa

Rome priests react with sadness to Pope's resignation

Pope Benedict XVI uses a cane as he arrives for an audience with priests of the Diocese of Rome Feb. 14.
CNS photo / Paul Haring.

Catholic News Agency reports that, after meeting with Pope Benedict, priests from the Rome diocese said they are sad he is retiring and that he was a great gift to the Church.

"We're sad because a Pope is not only a theoretical leader, he's the man to whom you give your allegiance and your vows, so there's a direct link and a sadness in that," said Father Robert, after the Pope met Feb. 14 with the clergy of his diocese in Paul VI Hall.

The priest, who is originally from South Africa, also praised the Pope's intellectual contributions, calling him "a giant in the Church."

For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.