CBCK News
2013-02-13 14:04
2013-02-13 14:06
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Message of the President of the CBCK on the declaration of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI that he is resigning his ministry as Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter

Message of the President of the
CBCK

on the declaration of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
that he is
resigning his ministry

as Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint
Peter




On February 11, 2013, His Holiness Pope
Benedict XVI declared that he is resigning his ministry as Bishop of Rome,
Successor of Saint Peter the Apostle, as he recognizes his incapacity to
properly fulfill his holy ministry because of his deteriorating health due to
advanced age. Though we are taken aback at his unexpected decision, we can feel
his love and care for the Church filling his heart to the full. Therefore, we
accept his enlightened spiritual discernment and courageous decision with our
highest regard.


 



As the successor of Saint Peter the Apostle
as well as the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the Holy Father has devotedly served the
Universal Church and the whole world for the last eight years, in spite of the
repeated admonition of his close medical advisors. We are saddened by the fact
that he is not as healthy enough as before to carry out his ministry, as we can
sometimes recognize this even by his walk. Nevertheless, he has exerted himself
for the Church of the suffering, as well as for peace in Africa and the Middle
East. He has also engaged in interreligious dialogue in an active manner.



 


We cannot but express our deep gratitude for
his prayer and encouragement for the Church in Korea and for the Republic of
Korea on every possible occasion. Especially, he has shown a deep concern for
the North Korean people in their extreme destitution and he has spared no effort
to provide financial aid for them.



 


We firmly believe that the Holy Father as a
true pastor of the Catholic Church will continue his service for the faithful
after laying down the heavy office of the Supreme Pontiff. I hope that all the
faithful in Korea will strengthen their spiritual bonds with him through
constant prayer, remembering him as a loving pastor in our hearts for good.



In Seoul, Korea
On February 12, 2013


 



Peter Kang U-il
Bishop
of Cheju

President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea