The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI is being greeted by Greenwood Catholics with a combination of shock and gratitude to the 85-year-old pontiff for a job well done.
“All I know is that he has been a good pope. It was a shock to me,” said Gerry Matthews, a longtime parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Benedict announced this morning in Vatican City that he was stepping down on Feb. 28. He has served as pope since April 2005.
He is the first pope to step down in 600 years.
“I’m surprised, but I’m not shocked,” said the Rev. Greg Plata, pastor of both Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
“Benedict was very close to Pope John Paul II, and, in his later years, saw John Paul’s deteriorating health. I think he reflected on that and said, ‘It’s time for me to step down.’ I think it’s a very courageous, mature and humbling thing to do,” Plata said.
Matthews said she understood Benedict’s reasoning.
“You get to the place where you realize that you can’t do what you normally do. I just hope we get another good one, like the last two we’ve had,” she said.
“The more I think about it, I say he was just real wise. Being pope is a lot of responsibility,” Matthews said.
Watching Benedict this morning on TV, Matthews said he appeared to be in good health, adding, “Sometimes, when you make a decision like that, it’s a load off of you.”
Georgette Griffin, a longtime parishioner at St. Francis, said she was surprised by Benedict’s resignation. Still, she said, “You have to respect the person when they make that kind of decision.”
Greenwood Realtor James Quinn, a lifelong Catholic who attends St. Francis, said Benedict was a great leader.
“My opinion is this shows a lot of wisdom by Pope Benedict. He’s taking action to do what he believes is in the best interest of the entire Catholic Church,” he said.
“Pope Benedict realizes his ministry requires considerable mental and physical energy to keep abreast of, and adequately fulfill, his duties and obligations for a world of 1 billion Catholics,” Quinn said.
Greenwood businessman Anthony Ola, a parishioner of Immaculate Heart, said he admired Benedict for recognizing his physical limitations and placing the church ahead of himself.
“The job is just so unbelievably taxing on the pope. It would be hard on a young man,” he said.
Plata said the election of a new pope will proceed in an orderly manner.
“Now the cardinals will have the time, guided by the Holy Spirit, to select a new pope, who hopefully will be younger and more energetic, to lead the church.” he said.
Plata said he’s hoping “for a pope to continue the vision of Benedict, to evangelize and re-evangelize the present Christian community. It’s not only important for the Catholic Church, it is important for the body of Christ.”
Ola said he has faith that the pope that replaces Benedict will also “be a great man.”
