By Most Rev. Richard W. Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton

Monday, February 11, 2013

We love you, Holy Father


Quite a surprise that greeted us all this morning! The resignation of Pope Benedict caught everyone unawares.

We are grateful to God for the leadership given to the Church by this extraordinary man. The clarity and beauty of his teachings will be a legacy to enrich the Church for generations.

Having met with the Pope last November and seen firsthand his growing physical weakness, I sympathize with his decision. Clearly his love for the Church and his shepherd's heart have led him to take this step, which he believes in his conscience to be necessary for the good of the Church. We offer our prayers for him and assure him of our love and gratitude.