Lansing Update: Michigan Bishops Address Retirement News
of Pope Benedict XVI

On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI announced he will be resigning from the papacy at the end of this month. Here are the Michigan bishops’ reactions to that shocking announcement. To read each statement in full, click on the links below.

Archbishop Vigneron, Archdiocese of Detroit

“We have come to love him very much and will miss him… I invite all Catholics to pray all the more ardently for the Holy Father Pope Benedict, that God sustain him in these last weeks of his papacy and guide him through what lies ahead. And we look to the future with confidence, that the Lord who has given us this great pope and loving father, will give us a new shepherd of equal merit.”

Bishop Hebda, Diocese of Gaylord [Link no longer available —Ed.]

“As a faithful teacher and shepherd who, in imitation of Jesus, poured himself out in generous service to his flock, his voice on the world stage will be sorely missed by not only faithful Catholics but by all who appreciated his tireless defense of the dignity of the human person.”

Bishop Hurley, Diocese of Grand Rapids

“I recall a kind, gentle and selfless leader; a prayerful man, and a highly regarded theologian and scholar. I am grateful for Pope Benedict’s 8 years of leadership, during which he has worked tirelessly to unite Catholics around the globe; engage young people more deeply in their faith, and to teach and inspire millions through the written and spoken word.”

Bishop Bradley, Diocese of Kalamazoo

“While certainly unprecedented in modern history this decision made by Pope Benedict is another sign of his tremendous humility and great wisdom… I had the great privilege to meet our Holy Father on 2 separate occasions, the most recent early last year when I was pleased to present to him a spiritual bouquet representing thousands of prayers from the faithful in our diocese.”

Bishop Boyea, Diocese of Lansing

“Pope Benedict has been a wonderful teacher, shepherd, and man of prayer.  The clearest sign of his care for the Church is this most recent action: his decision to resign the papacy. His sense that he can no longer be the effective missionary and evangelist has led him, in deep love, to hand this great task given him by Jesus Christ to another.”

Archbishop-Designate Sample, Diocese of Marquette

“I receive this news with a certain personal sadness, as I have a great affection for Pope Benedict XVI… I have met him on several occasions and have always been struck by his kindness and gentle humility. I have been inspired by his steadfast and faithful leadership of the Universal Church.”

Bishop Cistone, Diocese of Saginaw

“As we join together in prayerful support of our Holy Father, I am confident that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide our Church. We thank the Lord for the gift of Pope Benedict XVI, who led brilliantly and served faithfully as the successor of St. Peter. Let us also pray for the cardinals as they convene in the weeks ahead to elect the future Shepherd of our universal Church.”