by Sumon Francis Gomes

Benedict XVI is an "example for all". His resignation left Catholics stunned, but they followed the news with moments of intense prayer. "God will continue to guide and bless the Church to overcome all kinds of difficulties," Dhaka archbishop said.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - After hearing about the pope's resignation last Monday, when he said he would be stepping down on 28 February, both clergy and Catholic faithful in Bangladesh reacted by stressing the need for a young pope to replace Benedict XVI at the helm of the universal Church, someone who is open to the world, willing to give the local Church the space it needs.

"The new pope should be open to dialogue with the bishops of the world," Archbishop Patrick D'Rozario of Dhaka, Bangladesh, told AsiaNews. As the Church now needs a new guide, in this "Year of Faith, Catholics ought to show their faith and trust in the Almighty that God will continue to guide and bless the Church to overcome all kinds of difficulties."

For Joyanto Gomes, a priest and director of Christian Communications Centre, "This pope is a great example for all, as his act of stepping down has taught us the meaning of sacrifice and [shown us the] emptiness of power."

At such a time of transition, we must "pray even more intensely for peace and the Church, that we may get a leader of great holiness, wisdom, compassion and courage," said Andrew Anthony, a lay Catholic.

• bangladesh
• benedict
• xvi
• resignation
• reactions