Statement and Press Conference From Bishop David Ricken
By: Will Case
Updated: February 11, 2013
Green Bay, Wis.(WFRV)- Bishop David Ricken of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese held a press conference to address the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
The Pope will officially be done at the end of the month. He is the first pope to resign in over 600 years.
Below is Bishop Ricken's statement regarding the pope's resignation.
My Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I was as shocked as everyone else to hear the news that our Holy Father has tendered his resignation from the office of the successor to Peter. He has written about this as a possibility, which we can now say was a preparation for this. This was a courageous decision made by Pope Benedict, and we thank him for his years of service.
The important thing to remember is that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide the Church and for all of us to pray for Pope Benedict and for the cardinals who will select a successor.
In the meantime, we continue our mission of proclaiming the Gospel, providing for the sacramental life of the Church, and loving and serving our brothers and sisters. As a part of the New Evangelization, this will be a wonderful opportunity for us to discuss our faith with others and to encourage them to once again strengthen their relationship with the Church.
The Pope will officially be done at the end of the month. He is the first pope to resign in over 600 years.
Below is Bishop Ricken's statement regarding the pope's resignation.
My Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I was as shocked as everyone else to hear the news that our Holy Father has tendered his resignation from the office of the successor to Peter. He has written about this as a possibility, which we can now say was a preparation for this. This was a courageous decision made by Pope Benedict, and we thank him for his years of service.
The important thing to remember is that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide the Church and for all of us to pray for Pope Benedict and for the cardinals who will select a successor.
In the meantime, we continue our mission of proclaiming the Gospel, providing for the sacramental life of the Church, and loving and serving our brothers and sisters. As a part of the New Evangelization, this will be a wonderful opportunity for us to discuss our faith with others and to encourage them to once again strengthen their relationship with the Church.
