Pope's Resignation Historic, Says Gillard

Courier Mail
February 11, 2013

www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/popes-resignation-historic-says-gillard/story-e6freono-1226575772706

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard says the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI marks a historic moment, which many Australian Catholics will greet with great emotion.

The Pope will resign on February 28, saying his age prevented him from carrying out his duties - an unprecedented move in the modern history of the Catholic church.

He is the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years and the decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new Pope before the end of March.

The 85-year-old Pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals on Monday morning.

"Australia's Catholics and their many friends received remarkable news overnight that Pope Benedict XVI will resign in coming weeks," Ms Gillard said in a statement.

"The Pope's announcement marks a genuinely historic moment, which many Australian Catholics will greet with great emotion.

"On his election, Joseph Ratzinger said he wished to be 'a simple humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord' and in his resignation that humility has been amply demonstrated."