Shock, Sadness in Point Boro on Pope Benedict News

The pastor of St. Martha's Church Roman Catholic Church, in Point Borough, says he was shocked and saddened to hear the early Monday morning news that Pope Benedict is resigning after serving in the position for less than eight years.

"It was a shock to me, but this shows how he loves the church," said the Rev. Roman Nilo Apura, who has been pastor of the church on Herbertsville Road since July.

"I'm sad, I thought he was going to stay longer," Apura said. "But I'm grateful for the eight years that he was our leader."

He said the resignation shows the Pope loves the church enough to step down since he feels the combination of his failing health and age are leaving him without enough strength to fulfill his ministry.

"He was a shepherd and a scholar," Apura said. "We will be praying for the next Pope. During Mass this morning, we prayed for the Holy Spirit, for guidance, in choosing the next Pope."

When asked what the Pope's greatest accomplishments were during his tenure, Apura said it was his ability to reach out to various Catholic groups and unite them.

"He tried to draw them back into the church," Apura said. "He spoke for the poor, he visited them and he wrote about the need for equality among nations."

For the full story on the Pope's announcement, click here to read The New York Times article.

Editor's Note: Since early Monday morning, Patch has left messages for the pastor of St. Peter's Church and will be happy to add his comments if we hear from him.