Catholics in Philadelphia paid tribute to former Pope Benedict XVI after learning the news that he passed away on Saturday morning.
Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul started with a prayer for Pope Benedict XVI,"I wasn't especially surprised, but there was a sadness to the news, hearing the confirmation," said Velma Clark, a Catholic."I felt sad for him at first, but then I realized if we believe he entered the heavenly abodes, we should be very happy for him," said Calan Baniewicz from Fairmount.
Pope Benedict was the first pontiff in 600 years to resign his position rather than hold office for his entire life. The move stunned the world in 2013."I can hear my grandmother's voice in my head, what she would have said. She wasn't alive to see him resign, but she would have been very disappointed in the church and the Pope," said Aaron Treat from New York.
Archbishop Pérez called Benedict's resignation an act of unparalled selflessness and said he believes the Pope resigned for his own health. "He did the most loving thing. He did the most loving thing, the most heroic thing, he stepped away so that someone could do that better," said Perez. Archbishop Perez will hold a special mass for Pope Benedict at the Basilica tomorrow morning at 11 a.m.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Pope Benedict XVI, first pope in centuries to resign, dies at age 95The German-born pontiff never wanted to lead the Catholic Church, and he may be best remembered for the way he departed the role.
Read more »
Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95; was first pope to resign in 600 yearsPope Emeritus Benedict XVI, the shy German theologian who tried to reawaken Christianity in a secularized Europe but will forever be remembered as the first pontiff in 600 years to resign from the job, died Saturday.
Read more »
Former Pope Benedict XVI dies age 95; was first pope to resignBenedict stunned the Catholic faithful and religious experts in 2013 when he stepped down from his position as Pope, citing his 'advanced age.'
Read more »
Former Pope Benedict passes awayPope Emeritus Benedict XVI was the first pope in about 600 years to resign.
Read more »