An hour after the end of Benedict XVI’s pontificate, a Tacoma priest asked parishioners to pray that the next pope who cardinals select will be the “Spirit’s choice.”
The Rev. Stephen Lantry, pastor of St. Leo Catholic Church on Tacoma’s Hilltop, said Benedict’s resignation is “an example of humility” for Catholics to incorporate into their own lives.
Lantry referred to Benedict as “pope emeritus” during a noontime “Mass of thanksgiving” for the pontiff. Catholic parishes throughout the South Sound marked the historic transition with Masses today.
At 11 a.m. Pacific time, the 8-year-papacy of Benedict was officially over. Benedict, 85 and in frail health, because the first pope in 600 years to give up his office while still alive.
Referring to a statement by Benedict, Lantry told about 40 parishioners at St. Leo parish there’s no guarantee that the conclave of cardinals will select the “Spirit’s choice.” That’s why Catholics need to pray for the cardinals in their decision.
Lantry also said Catholics should pray to be strengthened in their own lives, just as Benedict has prayed for himself at the end of his papacy.
Read more here: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/street/2013/02/28/tacoma-catholics-mark-the-end-of-benedict-xvis-papacy-with-a-mass-of-thanksgiving/
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