Many Catholics in New Hampshire are reacting with surprise to the news that Pope Benedict XVI is resigning.
Kevin Donovan is the spokesman for the Manchester Catholic Diocese.
“The news today was a surprise to everybody in the Catholic Church in New Hampshire.”
He says the needs of the church have grown so significantly in recent years that Pope Benedict’s already advanced age may have made it too difficult to keep up.
“He was recognizing that he was not able, any longer, to keep the stamina of what has now become a 24-hour job; An incredible burden on any constitution.”
Donovan says here in New Hampshire Bishop Libasci and the clergy of New Hampshire are encouraging Catholics and non-Catholics alike to join in prayer for Pope Benedict and the church during the transition.