Pope Benedict says his age and poor health are forcing him to step down at the end of this month.
Pope Benedict says his age and poor health are forcing him to step down at the end of this month.
"I think everybody was shocked," said Father Ryan Lewis, of Omaha's St. Thomas More Parish. But looking back, he says there may have been a couple of warning signs.
"He's said a couple of times over the years, you know, that canon law does provide for a Pope to resign, should he feel that he's not up to the task."
Father Lewis also said there wasn't much coming up on the pontiff's travel schedule.
Omaha Archbishop George Lucas admitted he too was surprised. In a letter to parishioners he said: "We see this decision, in the context of a lifetime of service to the Lord, as an act of great pastoral love for all of us in the Church. I remain grateful for his leadership and fatherly care. I invite all to pray for the pope and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this important time of transition."
