Pope Benedict XVI resignation today creates buzz on social media worldwide among Catholic community. Different reactions of netizens - regrets, support and prayer for the pope ruled. The 85-year old Pope announced that on February 28, 2013 8:000 PM, his resignation is effective. The unexpected decision revealed during the Cardinal meeting on Monday morning.
"After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths due to an advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry," he told the cardinals.
"I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only by words and deeds but no less with prayer and suffering.
According to reports, the pontiff creates history for the first Pope to resign after 600 years. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Great Western Schism among competing papal claimants.
A Vatican spokesperson told to Fox News that Pope Benedict "will not take part in conclave" to choose his successor. Officials hope to have a new pope in place in time for the start of Holy Week, on March 14. Although there has been much speculation about Pope Benedict's health, a Vatican spokesman said he is not in any immediate danger.
Here are some of the reactions of netizens on the resignation of the Pope:
What can you say on Pope's resignation? Tell us your thoughts for this very important decision that breaks history.
According to reports, the pontiff creates history for the first Pope to resign after 600 years. The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Great Western Schism among competing papal claimants.
A Vatican spokesperson told to Fox News that Pope Benedict "will not take part in conclave" to choose his successor. Officials hope to have a new pope in place in time for the start of Holy Week, on March 14. Although there has been much speculation about Pope Benedict's health, a Vatican spokesman said he is not in any immediate danger.
Here are some of the reactions of netizens on the resignation of the Pope:
The Pope's decision is the right one. These are no ordinary times for the Catholic Church. ow.ly/hBEwm
— Walter Russell Mead (@wrmead) February 11, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI will not have reached his decision to stand down lightly. His visit to the UK in 2010 was a special moment for many.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) February 11, 2013
I pray we get the best successor to Pope Benedict XVI but, selfishly, I hope he is younger so we don't have to go through this again soon.
— Judd P. Berthiaume (@jpberthiaume) February 11, 2013
What could be difference between Pope John Paul II who, despite his sufferings & ailments stayed Pope till he died & Pope Benedict XVI?
— Jane Uymatiao (@philippinebeat) February 11, 2013
Lord , thank you for the devotion of your servant, Pope Benedict XVI, and guide us through this emotional change
— MelissaBergfeld (@MelissaBergfeld) February 11, 2013
May God lead the way to choose the new Pope. God Bless Pope Benedict XVI.
— Leonardia Acynthia (@putri889) February 11, 2013
The move by Pope Benedict XVI proves true succession isn't always about the change after death but having wisdom to release it in life.
— + David M. Callands(@BishopCallands) February 11, 2013
What can you say on Pope's resignation? Tell us your thoughts for this very important decision that breaks history.
