Pope's Resignation: 'Courageous'
Four East Providence priests react to Pope Benedict XVI's announcement that he is resigning from the papacy.
Four of East Providence’s Catholic priests were definitely surprised by Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement on Monday that he was resigning the papacy because of his age and his health. Two of the priests also described Pope Benedict as the right man for his time. “It was certainly surprising,” said Father David Green at St. Martha’s parish in Kent Heights. “Not shocking, perhaps, but surprising, and courageous, really. I think it was a wise move. His health was declining.” Monsignor William McCaffrey at St. Margaret parish in Rumford also described Pope Benedict's resignation announcement as “courageous” even though many priests viewed him as “an interim” Pope because of his age. He ascended to the papacy eight years ago at age 77. Father …
