Pontiff says his age means he lacks strength to do job
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/fe ... e-reaction
France Television, the state broadcaster, sent a film crew to Notre
Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris where they filmed shocked visitors in
tears when the news broke, writes Kim Willsher from the French capital.
French president François Hollande said the pope's decision to resign was “eminently respectable”.
“I have no particular comment to make on this decision, which is eminently respectable and which means a new pope will be chosen," Hollande said. He added: “The Republic salutes the pope who has made this decision.”
Christine Boutin, president of the French Crhistian Democrat party, said: “It's a shock, an immense shock and extraordinary for Catholics.”
François Bayrou, president of the centrist Modem party said the pope's decision was a “very brave gesture, which will open the life of the church to a new era"
Meanwhile the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the head of the Anglican church, has said he learned of the pope's resignation with a "heavy heart but complete understanding".
As I prepare to take up office I speak not only for myself, and my predecessors as archbishop, but for Anglicans around the world, in giving thanks to God for a priestly life utterly dedicated, in word and deed, in prayer and in costly service, to following Christ. He has laid before us something of the meaning of the Petrine ministry of building up the people of God to full maturity.
And British PM David Cameron paid tribute to Pope Benedict:
He has worked tirelessly to strengthen Britain's relations with the Holy See. His visit to Britain in 2010 is remembered with great respect and affection. He will be missed as a spiritual leader to millions.
The Church of England, in the shape of the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, has put out this statement on the pope's resignation:
With the news that Pope Benedict XVI will resign at the end of February, the Christian world will miss a great theologian with great spiritual depth.
We should remember Pope Benedict communicated the revelation of God in a characteristic way as a true successor of St Peter. He was unafraid to proclaim the Gospel and challenge a culture that is so self-referential, managing to lift our eyes to God's glory.
Let us all lift our eyes to the glory of God, embracing his love and care for this world.
