By Javier Manjarres
The Catholic faithful within the Republican Caucus in the U.S. Congress are expressing their support and respect for the decision Pope Benedict XVI made to step down from the papacy due to health reasons.
Earlier today, Senator Marco Rubio announced that he has thankful for his service to God and the Church”, and looked with “optimism toward the future of the Catholic Church.” Fellow Floridian members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Trey Radel and Ron DeSantis, also released statements in support of the Pope’s decision.
“Today Pope Benedict XVI displayed the qualities of an excellent leader and a true man of God by putting the interests of the Vatican and the Catholic Church over his own papacy. Since becoming Pope in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI has served the Church honorably, particularly through his work promoting charity across the globe. I wish him well in the future and, as a Catholic, I thank him for his service to God and the Church. I also look with optimism toward the future of the Catholic Church as it prepares to welcome a new leader and as it continues to spread God’s message of faith, hope and love to all the corners of the world.”-Sen. Marco Rubio
“I join with my fellow Catholics around the country and the world in praising Pope Benedict XVI’s service as the worldwide leader of the Catholic Church. His personal holiness was apparent throughout his dedicated service and I hope his example continues to guide the Church. As Lent approaches during this Year of Faith, I trust the Holy Spirit will make known a fitting successor. I continue to pray for the Pope’s health and for the Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals as they elect the next Pope.”-Rep. Trey Radel
“The decision of Pope Benedict XVI to abdicate his position as the head of the Catholic Church is an act of humility and is in keeping with the character of a leader who put God before himself. Pope Benedict XVI has articulated the principles of the Catholic faith with cogency and eloquence. He championed enduring truths, a culture of life and the importance of the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. I thank him for his lifetime of service to the Church and I look forward to the Church selecting its next leader.”-Rep. Ron DeSantis
2 Responses to “Congressional Catholics Join Rubio in Supporting Pope’s Decision to Step Down”
I agree with Sen. Rubio about Pope Benedict. The pope wisely is stepping down because he realizes how frail he has become and is afraid that any decisions he makes would not be for the benefit of the Church. It is wise man who recognizes this fact. Politicians should have the same insight.
The pope should be treated with the same respect and benefits as our ex-presidents are. He has devoted his entire life to the Church. We may have not agreed with all of his decisions, but, that happens in all facets of life.
God bless Benedict and may his retirement be peaceful and happy. That is what we all want for ourselves, also. He deserves the same thing.
I’m not sure why their opinion on the matter is newsworthy. They are no more informed or authoritative on Papal decisions than any one else.