Pope's Resignation Surprises Hubbard

By Bryan Fitzgerald
Albany Times Union
February 11, 2013

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Bishop-Hubbard-surprised-at-resignation-of-Pope-4268392.php

ALBANY — Bishop Howard Hubbard said Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign because of failing health, was done out of "dedication to the Gospel."

In a statement, Hubbard, leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, said:

"The announcement came as a surprise to me. But as I thought more about it, I remembered that Pope Benedict had said before that if, in conscience, he ever reached the point where his health would compromise his responsibilities, he would step down."

"This holy, learned and humble man has served the church well. In particular, his encyclicals have built upon the social teachings of the church and have called Catholics to engage themselves even more in helping those who are needy. Now the Holy Father's unselfishness decision to resign comes from that same dedication to the Gospel."