Pope Benedict XVI's Resignation Stuns Cardinal George

By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 12, 2013 3:20PM

News of Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign at the end of the month took his staff and Catholics by surprise. Chicago Cardinal Francis George was no exception.

The leader of Chicago’s Roman Catholic Church said at a news conference Monday he met privately with the 85-year-old Pope in Rome last week there was "not the slightest indication in my mind that this was someone who was about to resign."

"I regret now I didn't have the presence of mind to say, 'Holy Father, how is your health?' “George said.

Benedict XVI said he lacks the mental or physical strength to carry out his duties and becomes the first Pope to resign since 1415. George released a statement Monday that read.

Pope Benedict XVI has, in all circumstances, placed the will of God for the good of the Church before every other consideration. That same resoluteness of purpose speaks in his statement announcing his resignation from the Chair of Peter.

He has taught with clarity and charity what God has revealed to the world in Christ; he has handed on the apostolic faith; he has loved all of God’s people with all his heart. He has now shown great courage in deciding, after prayer and soul-searching, to resign his office at the end of this month.

With the gratitude of sons and daughters in our hearts, we ask the Lord to bless him and give him strength, as we begin to pray now for the one who will succeed him as Bishop of Rome, Successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ.

The cardinal has faced his own health issues of late. He underwent treatment last year for a return of the cancer that cost him his bladder and prostate in 2006. George submitted a letter of retirement last year, as cardinals in the Church are required to do when they turn 75, and told CBS 2 last December a plan of succession is already in place and that he’s looking forward to retirement. Chicago Catholic News reported last November George will move into a custom-made apartment with a specially built apartment near Holy Name Cathedral when he eventually does retire.