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Ed Miliband responds to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

February 11, 2013 2:15 pm

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Responding to the to the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Ed Miliband said:

“I’d like to pay tribute to Pope Benedict XVI. Many people will remember his historic visit to the UK in 2010 – which was a very special moment for many, especially Catholics, across the country. His decision to stand down is a brave one and we know he will not have reached it lightly. The choice of a successor is clearly an important one for the Catholic Church. Our thoughts are with those who must make such a critical decision on behalf of millions around the world.”

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  • Jeremy_Preece

    I know that right across the Roman Catholic church throughout the world my fellow Catholics will be shocked / surprised. This is the first time that a pope has resigned for over 600 years.
    It seems to have taken the Vatican by surprise as much as it has the arch Bishop of Westminster. I would be very surprised if another pope is elected and ready to step up with no gap from Benedicts exit, although it is possible. Normally the election only happens because of the death of a pope.
    One thing I can say for sure is that there is no one in England or Wales who will be votoing as the Cardinal is the retired former Arch Bishop of Westminster Cardinal Cormac Murphy o’Conner; who is over 80 and therefore nor elegable to vote.
    Looking at some of the media images you can see that Benedict XVI looks very frail compared with when he took offce. John Paul II apparently considered resigining back in 1999. It is only in more recent times with medical advances that someon could have been as ill as John Paul II and remained alive. So maybe this is history in the making as we have a modern presetence for a frail and ill pope to stand down.

  • KonradBaxter

    They need a younger man this time or the Vatican will become the Soviet era Kremlin. Even more like the Kremlin.

  • rekrab

    Did Ed really write this? steady Eddy! your dancing on the danger line.

  • AlanGiles

    “The choice of a successor is clearly an important one ”
    Well, I would vote for Tony Blair as the new Pontiff. He’s young (well for that job he is, 59), go-ahead, and it might mean that the Progress shower could all be made cardinals, thus removing them from domestic politics!

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