EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

Boston and Beyond

February 11, 2013

Statement of Bishop Deeley on Pope Benedict's resignation

The Most Reverend Robert Deeley, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Boston said, “We have received the Holy Father’s announcement that, having prayerfully discerned that due to physical limitations he is no longer able to fulfill the responsibilities of his office, he will resign effective February 28th.

At this time we give thanks to God for the gift of Pope Benedict XVI’s faithful leadership of the Roman Catholic Church during the past 8 years of his papacy. We assure the Holy Father of our prayers and fidelity during these final weeks of his service as the Vicar of Christ.

In particular I offer my personal gratitude to the Holy Father for the experience of working closely with him during my time in Rome with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. I know of his deep and abiding love for the Church and for fulfilling the saving ministry of Jesus.”

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Latest News
Boston and Beyond

New England News
Julien on Bruins loss: 'Yesterday's the past' Cape Cod traffic relatively mild for Memorial Day weekend Mass. boy takes title at National Geographic Bee Maine island offers lighthouse getaway Homeland Security secretary Napolitano visits marathon memorial Father of Tsarnaev's acquaintance shot by FBI speaks out Google Glass: Innovative technology or social hazard? Gloucester, Mass. seeks a fishing future Homeland Security secretary visits marathon bombings memorial MBTA Cape Cod service offers new option Transportation officials discuss bridge safety in Mass. Homeland Security secretary visits Boston to discuss bombings Mayor Menino stands behind Markey in Mass. US Senate race Hampton, NH businesses hoping for Memorial Day customers Taking back the Boston Marathon finish line Boston to celebrate Memorial Day with honoring events Boston to celebrate Memorial Day with honoring events Honoring the Bay State's fallen heroes Fast moving blaze destroys Lynn, Mass. church Cape Cod town rebuilding shoreline ahead of tourist season
Photos of the Week