April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Statement of Bishop Hubbard on Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
Contact: Rev. Ken Doyle [O] 518 453-6612, [H] 518 - 489-3204
For immediate release: Monday, February 11, 2013
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
40 North Main Avenue, Albany, NY 12203
STATEMENT of BISHOP HUBBARD on RESIGNATION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI
The announcement came as a surprise to me. But as I thought more about it, I remembered that Pope Benedict had said before that if, in conscience, he ever reached the point where his health would compromise his responsibilities, he would step down. His resignation is the latest in his acts of selfless service on behalf of the Church.
Pope Benedict is a learned and visionary man who has made outstanding contributions to our Church and world during his eight year pontificate.
In his encyclicals, God is Love and Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict affirms the primacy of love in the Christian life and noted that we must give expression to that love not only through our acts of mercy and kindness to others but through acts of social justice advocacy especially on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged.
In a world darkened by discouragement, disillusionment, despair, skepticism, cynicism and moral relativism, in his encyclical Salve Spe, Pope Benedict offers a ray of hope and a message of Church optimism.
Further, Pope Benedict's writings and reflections in his series on Jesus of Nazareth, coupled with his many homilies and allocutions at his weekly papal audience present a practical and insightful spiritual guide to growing in the life of Christian discipleship.
He has been deemed the Green Pope for his efforts to combat global warming and the Peace Pope for his constant plea to solve disputes through diplomacy rather than the violence of war.
Like his predecessor Blessed Pope John Paul II, Benedict was a global traveler to Asia, Africa, European nations, and the North American continent.
I pray that in his retirement, Pope Benedict will enjoy the opportunity for more leisure and further scholarly pursuits, which his long life of faithful service to the Church so deserves.[[In-content Ad]]
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