Reaction To Pope Benedict XVI’s Resignation

VaticanEarlier today Pope Benedict XVI announced he is to resign at the end of the month. The news came as a complete surprise to the world media and the Vatican itself and already reaction from world leaders and key Catholics around the world has been pouring in.

The decision by Pope Benedict XVI to resign certainly took everyone by surprise. While it is not unknown for Pope’s to resign it is certainly uncommon and Benedict XVI is the first in modern times to do so. Usually Pope’s die in office either through natural causes or assassination.

Below is a selection of reactions to the news:

“I am greatly shaken by this unexpected news” – Mario Monti, Italian Prime Minister

“Pope Benedict has worked tirelessly to strengthen Britain’s relations with the Holy See.  His visit to Britain in 2010 is remembered with great respect and affection. He will be missed as a spiritual leader to millions.” David Cameron, UK Prime Minister

“Like many people throughout the world, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the decision by Pope Benedict XVI to resign.  I know that his decision will have been considered most carefully and that it has come after much prayer and reflection.” – Cardinal Keith O’Brien, head of the Catholic Church in Scotland

“It was with a heavy heart but complete understanding that we learned this morning of Pope Benedict’s declaration of his decision to lay down the burden of ministry as Bishop of Rome, an office which he has held with great dignity, insight and courage.  In his visit to the UK, Pope Benedict showed us all something of what the vocation of the See of Rome can mean in practice – a witness to the universal scope of the gospel and a messenger of hope at a time when Christian faith is being called into question.”Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Church of England.

News of the Pope’s decision to quit was trending on Twitter shortly after the announcement was made. However, reaction on social networking sites was more mixed than those of world leaders; many welcomed the news and more were critical of the Catholic Church and Benedict XVI’s own past especially his involvement in covering up the child sex abuse by priests within the Church.

The Pope’s stance on homosexuality also came under fire once more following the news of his retirement.  In the past year Pope Benedict XVI has increased his and the Vatican’s attack on homosexuality and gay marriage leading to much criticism and protests. The Pope has described homosexuality as a “threat” to the future of humanity.