Yesterday’s announcement by the Holy Father that he will be retiring of course caught me by surprise. I know, I’m not the only one.
A little perspective is in order here. My son and I are part of the 2009 Tiber River Swim Team (converted Easter Vigil 2009). There were two people that gave me confidence to take the first step…Father John Corapi’s series on EWTN captivated me. I know Father (now Mister) Corapi has his demons, but that doesn’t make the things he said invalid.
The second and more influential was His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. In him I saw a man who was one of our great scholars, an Orthodox leader, a righteous man, a man of peace, and a man of love.
The Holy Father’s actions showed great humility. In him I would expect no less. I don’t know what else to say other than that I love him and pray that this decision gives him an opportunity to live out his days in the peace and reflection he deserves.
Viva il Papa!
