NI Politicians Respond To Pope's Resignation

Northern Ireland’s main nationalist politicians have been paying tribute to Pope Benedict XVI, following the news of his resignation.

The 85-year-old pontiff has divided opinion with the announcement of his resignation at the end of February.

Pope Benedict served nearly eight years as the head of the Catholic Church.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "The announcement of Pope Benedict’s resignation has taken everyone by surprise. Interest understandably centres on his health and the deteriorating nature of it. The resignation of a Pope is a most unusual occurrence and this clearly suggests that Pope Benedict’s has such very serious concern about his health that he feels he must resign.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone will be for Pope Benedict. I hope that the lifting of the onerous weight of the responsibilities of such an important world leader will ease the burden on him in his retirement.

"I wish Pope Benedict well and like Catholics everywhere look forward to the election of the new Pope at a time when the Church is at a crossroads."

SDLP Leader Alasdair McDonnell said: "I am sure people across the world will be united in their shock that Pope Benedict XVI has made the very difficult and brave decision to step aside from his ministry.

"In taking this decision Pope Benedict XVI has displayed an incredible degree of honesty in recognising that his current state of health prevents him from adequately conducting the duties entrusted to him by God.

"This decision must have been taken over some period of time and we can be proud of a leader who has put his love for the Church over personal considerations.

"We are truly blessed to have had a leader in Pope Benedict XVI who reached out to people across the globe. In our increasingly superficial and secular world he demonstrated true leadership which was backed up by principles, scholarly talent and deep dedication to God."

(IT)