Cardinal Wilfred Napier spoke recently to
Stephen Grootes about the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Napier expressed his believe that
Pope Benedict XVI is a man of principles who has acted courageously by doing
what was in the best interests of the Church.
The full interview with Stephen Grootes can
be heard here …
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| Cardinal Wilfred Napier |
Of further interest, here is the full statement
from Archbishop Stephen Brislin, the President of the Southern African Catholic
Bishops’ Conference, regarding the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
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| Archbishop Stephen Brislin |
Archbishop Stephen Brislin’s statement on His
Holiness Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation
Catholics throughout the world have been taken by surprise by the
resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, which was announced yesterday. Most have been
saddened by this announcement because we recognize and acknowledge the courage
of Pope Benedict during his almost 8 years of the Pontificate. His has not been
an easy Papacy due to the many difficult issues that he has had to deal with
over these years, not least the scandal of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. He
has been under an enormous amount of pressure from various groups, such as
those, which advocate for the ordination of women and those, which promote gay
marriages.
In these difficult times he has stood firm and re-affirmed Catholic
teaching. In some quarters this has not made him popular and he has had to
endure inordinate criticism. But his fidelity to Christ’s teaching has made him
a true
Shepherd and a true Teacher of the faith and in this he has inspired
and strengthened his brothers and sisters in the service of Jesus Christ.
He has greatly enriched the Church with his theology and writings.
His clear mind and deep thought have made a positive contribution to the life
of the Church. He reached out to victims of abuse and, on behalf of the Church,
sought their forgiveness. His encyclicals taught us on the love of God, on the
need to seek justice in the economy and to strive for a new economic order, his
post-synodal document Africae Munus called on all Africans to be in the service
of justice, peace and reconciliation. He has deepened relationships with
leaders of Christian denominations, those of other Faiths and political leaders
– a fact which has been acknowledged by many world leaders over the past
twenty-four hours.
Pope Benedict’s decision to resign is a humble act based on his
recognition of his failing physical help and the need for the Church to have a
Pope who has strength both in body and mind. It is quite clear that this
difficult and agonizing decision has been made for the good and the love of the
Church. We respect and acknowledge his humility and his willingness to make
sacrifices for the greater good of the People of God. It is certainly not the
first time we have witnessed the humility, gentleness and love of this great
man. We have only to think of occasions such as his visit to the United Kingdom
to be reminded of how he touched and changed the lives of many people.
While we may be saddened by his resignation we do recognize that the
Pope, after frequent examination of conscience, believes that this is the right
course of action at this time in the life of the Church. We respect that and we,
as Catholics, must continue to pray for Pope Benedict that he will continue to
give service to Christ and his Church in a new way. I call upon you all to pray
for him daily that the Lord may continue to strengthen and protect him.
Furthermore, we know that God never deserts his flock. The Lord will
not desert us at this time and we too need to strengthen our faith and trust in
God’s continued salvific action in the world today. As we enter this new phase of
the life of the Church, I call upon all to pray daily in your private prayers,
during the Celebration of the Eucharist and in other liturgical events, to pray
that the Holy Spirit will guide and lead those who are entrusted with the responsibility
of selecting a successor to Pope Benedict. As we enter this time of Lent it is
most appropriate to strengthen our prayer and fasting that God’s will be done
and that the right person will be elected Pope to lead us through the times
that lie ahead.
Archbishop Stephen Brislin
President Southern African
Catholic Bishops’ Conference
Issued on the 13th day of February 2013, at Cape Town
Extracted from website of
the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference
