Cuban Catholic Church Comments on the Pope’s Resignation

HAVANA TIMES — The Archdiocese of Havana issued a statement on Monday calling the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI “a big surprise and at the same time a valuable lesson in humility.”

The statement, signed by Havana archbishop Cardinal Jaime Ortega, says “the Holy Father once again breaks patterns and isn’t afraid to announce to the world that he is too weak and tired to continue the great responsibility of governing the Catholic Church.”

“Cuban Catholics, and I think all of the people, remember him fondly for his decision to visit Cuba on a special occasion in the history of our church and of our country,” said Ortega. He added, “Only a great love of Jesus Christ, of his Church, and great humility, could drive such a step.”