Monday, February 11 2013 10:24 PM EST2013-02-12 03:24:15 GMT
Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he will resign February 28th blaming advanced age for his decision.
Pope Benedict XVI announced today that he will resign February 28th blaming advanced age for his decision.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -
The archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis says he is surprised and saddened by Pope Benedict's resignation.
Archbishop John Nienstedt said, like Catholics around the world, he was surprised to learn the 85-year-old pope plans to resign for health reasons at the end of the month.
Nienstedt issued a statement Monday saying he is also saddened by the thought of losing Benedict's "strong leadership for the church."
Nienstedt was among bishops who met with Benedict last March. The archbishop said the pope's pastoral reflections about each of the bishops' dioceses -- and the Twin Cities archdiocese in particular -- "were insightful as well as inspirational."
At the daily mass held at the University of St. Thomas on Monday, Father David Smith talked about the pope's decision, adding that he is happy about it.
"I thought for some time that it was what should happen," he admitted. "As Benedict said, 'Too weak to carry on the work.'"
Several parishioners told FOX 9 News they believe Benedit showed his wisdom with the decision, but many were shocked by the simple fact that he will become the first pontiff to step down in 600 years.
History professor Massimo Faggioli has become a nationally known expert on the pope and Catholicism, and he told FOX 9 News he sees a new opportunity ahead.
"We've never had this kind of situation, when the next conclave -- in a few weeks -- will elect a new pope knowing that the former pope is still alive," he explained.
While Benedict won't be in the room debating the next Pope, Faggioli said he believes his influence will still be strong.
"I don't expect him to be campaigning for someone or endorsing someone ... but his spirit will be there and that's unprecedented," Faggioli said.
There are about 825,000 Catholics in the Twin Cities who care deeply about who will become the next pope, but Faggioli explained there are worldwide implications when it comes to selecting a new pope because the pontiff historically influences international relations and builds bridges between religious organizations.
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Saturday, May 18 2013 8:06 AM EDT2013-05-18 12:06:18 GMT
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Two Metro-North trains collided around 6 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn., in between the Fairfield and Bridgeport stations. At least 60 people have been hurt, the governor said.
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:49 AM EDT2013-05-18 11:49:20 GMT
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
An airline official says a US Airways flight with 34 people aboard was forced to make a belly landing at Newark International Airport after experiencing landing gear trouble. No injuries were reported.
Friday, May 17 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-18 01:12:56 GMT
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
A welcome sight in Coney Island: workers cleaning umbrellas, wiping down counters, and putting the finishing touches on a rebuilt Original Nathan's Famous.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:53:52 GMT
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has approved the master plan for the American Dream megamall in the Meadowlands sports complex. The approval at Friday's special board meeting means the
Friday, May 17 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:28:27 GMT
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Democratic Assemblyman Vito Lopez, who represents New York City, said he will resign June 20 amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for a City Council seat.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:54:45 GMT
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard."
The big game will be played in New Jersey but the big party will be in New York City. Organizers call it "Super Bowl Boulevard": it will stretch from 44th Street on Broadway all the way to 34th Street.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:03:04 GMT
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
A 21-year-old Hofstra University student was shot and killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery in Uniondale, Long Island. The suspect also died in the incident.
Friday, May 17 2013 4:17 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:17:46 GMT
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
A Humvee carrying six Navy SEALs and two other sailors overturned during a training exercise at Fort Knox in Kentucky, killing one of the SEALs and injuring the others, military officials said Friday.
