After "fear and concern," Thai Catholics pray for Benedict XVI and the future pope
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Reacting with surprise and concern, some Thai Catholics call for prayers for the pope that is leaving and for the pope that is coming, united by faith in God's will, which is the basis of the sacrifice the pontiff made in taking such great thought-out step. The announcement of Benedict XVI's resignation has caused reactions around the world. In Thailand, the faithful were caught between the shock caused by the decision and deep respect for a pastor that led the Church with intelligence, courage and love.
Mgr Louis Chamniern Santisukniran, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand.
Reports that his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has decided to resign from the ministry of Peter and as bishop of Rome have shocked the universal Church, caught up in emotions like "fear and concern".
After a lengthy reflection, Pope Benedict XVI realised that advanced age and health problems made him unable to perform his pastoral duties at the best of his abilities in terms of administration and evangelisation.
On behalf of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand I call on the faithful to pray for our Holy Father, and especially for the conclave that will elect his successor.
Let us all place our trust in the Holy Spirit and call for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, mother of the Church.
Fr Chatchai Ruemaram, a priest in Rome for studies.
I heard about it around noon, Rome time. I urge everyone to pray for the pope and the universal Church. I also call for prayers for the election of the new pope who will be the new pastor of the Church.
Siriroj Chaopaknam, director a Thai Catholic Association.
I think the pope's decision to resign is God's will. Benedict XVI realised that he was no longer able to perform his ministry because of his age and physical frailty.
Now that Benedict XVI's pontificate is coming to an end, a 200-page book about his life has been re-issued by the Department of Social Communications. It had been originally published a year after Card Ratzinger came to the throne of Saint Peter on 19 April 2005.
In the preface, Card Michael Michai Kitbunchu, archbishop emeritus of Bangkok, praised the pope's "calm, strength and rigour" as well as his "holiness, humility and wisdom".
.png)
