Shock and Sympathy in Maplewood on Pope Benedict's Resignation
Locals were surprised about the news and sympathetic for Pope Benedict. What do you think about his move and the effect it will have on the Church?
Pope John Paul was a hard act to follow, but his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, has done his best to fill the shoes as head of the Roman Catholic Church for the last eight years. Today the Vatican announced that the 85-year-old pope will resign by the end of February because of his inability to fulfill the duties of his office. The pontiff said his strength "has deteriorated" in the last few months, according to a CNN report. It will be the first time in 600 years that a pope has resigned, rather than die, in office. It may also mean huge changes ahead for the Catholic Church. Many Catholics were taken aback by the news, and expressed sympathy for the pope. "I was shocked," said said Maplewood resident Sara D'Andrea. "After looking at the …
Mary Ann Uschak
10:14 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
I think it is sad but when I've seen him say mass with the miter on and the vestments he does seem to be struggling.....I think the scandal in the church about priests really hit him hard....as it did all of us....why can't Roman Catholic priests be allowed to get married...the Byzantine ones use to....also Christ Church in Short Hills is Episcopalian and they have women priests there.....notice … more ›