In an emotional goodbye to over 100,000 supporters, the Pope revealed on Sunday that he was stepping aside because God told him to do so.
In a voice raw with emotion, Pope Benedict XVI told pilgrims in St Peter’s Square that he was resigning on February 28 because God had called on him to devote himself to prayer. He said God had told him ‘to climb the mountain’.
It was observed that pilgrims filled the piazza to witness a historical moment and thank the Pope for his eight year Pontificate at the Angelus Prayer.
Despite recently looking tired and frail, he spoke in a clear, strong voice, repeatedly thanking the faithful for their closeness and affection as they interrupted him, again and again, with applause and cheers.
The Pope stressed that he was “not abandoning the church.” Instead, he said he would serve the church with the same dedication, but would do so “in a way more suitable to my age and my strength”.
He also said he would continue to serve through meditation and prayer after his historic abdication. He completed the last Angelus of his tenure by saying he would always be close to the Church.
The 85-year-old officially steps down on Thursday. He will spend his last years in seclusion in a cloistered monastery within the confines of Vatican City.
Andrew Biemba
February 25, 2013 at 12:14 pm
where was he discussing with God
mmm
February 25, 2013 at 12:27 pm
We thank God for leaders who understand power isn’t to be held for an enternity!
Barotse diaspora
February 25, 2013 at 12:36 pm
The pope had constantly being receiving threats from italia mafias to step down since he ‘s from germany
kimz
February 25, 2013 at 2:42 pm
The Pope has lived in deceiption for a long time, since the time of Hitler and now he has realised that he was misled and now wants to worship God in a true way before he dies in sin. It was a good move. It’s never too late for all of us.
Jey
February 25, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Mind the way you talk about the chosen ones. He is a pope and he has decided to rest. For Gods sake He is 85 years old, His strength and ability can not do what his mind wants.
Samseno
February 25, 2013 at 8:07 pm
Popes are meant to die on that throne if u didn’t know. No matter how old,even if he is bed ridden they are not supposed to resign. I agree with one writer who says he was deceived. He now understands that he was required to fulfill certain verdicts on 666 which he is afraid to do. I also agree with the pope when he says God has told him,its true people who are truely called by God will not take part in the mark of the beast that’s why he has resigned. Now watch how they will impose security on him becoz of so many catholic secrets he has assimilated. I end here!!
Mak
February 25, 2013 at 8:08 pm
The problem with zambians always they want to insult they’ve no respect to the elders, parents how do you extend your bad laguage to one who has been serving and leading a biggest church on earth? I think during this 40days of lent u need to repent so that u are delivered from evil. God bless u
KCK
February 25, 2013 at 9:26 pm
God is great,666 is coming watch out.
kennedy
February 26, 2013 at 4:15 am
u shall know the truth and the truth shall set u (pope) free
Pm
February 26, 2013 at 5:28 am
What’s going on with the Italian company?even milingo did the same thing its too for the company
Mulundu
February 26, 2013 at 10:40 am
You Protestant Churches who climb on top of each other to pray, you will burst with hate for the Catholic Church. Nizanu izo!
Munshifukatilwa
February 26, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Plz let us respect the pope’s decision and allow him 2 rest with God. Judge not
Shanna Carson
February 27, 2013 at 10:40 pm
We may be religious or not, we may agree or disagree with Pope Benedict’s views, but in my opinion, we must admire a decision that places the best interest of the Catholic Church above his personal prestige.
kabachi kadada
March 14, 2013 at 6:48 am
God wil never destroy without warning, resist satan like pope.