Menu
12/02/2013
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
