February 13, 2012
(Romereports.com) “These days have not been easy,” said Benedict XVI. “But I've felt, almost physically... the strength of your prayers.”
In his first public appearance after announcing his resignation, the
Pope was interrupted with applause during the weekly general audience.
His message echoed the short speech he read in Latin, when he announced
his resignation Monday morning. He added “I cannot carry out the Petrine ministry with the strength it requires.”
“Dear brothers and sisters, as you know I have decided ...
Thank you for your sympathy.
I
have decided to resign ... the ministry that the Lord entrusted to me
on April 19, 2005. I've done so with complete freedom for the good of
the Church. I came to this conclusion, after praying for quite some time
and examining my conscience before God. I'm well aware of the
seriousness of this act, but also acknowledge that I am not prepared to
carry out the Petrine ministry with strength it requires.
I am
comforted with the certainty that the Church is Christ's Church, and He
will never leave His guidance and care veer from it. I thank you all for
the love and prayers that have accompanied me.
Thank you. In
these difficult days, I've felt almost physically, the power of prayer
that comes through the love for the Church and your prayers. Continue to
pray for me, for the Church and for the future Pope. The Lord will
guide you.”
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