President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday
commended Pope Benedict XVI for displaying what he called exemplary
wisdom and courage by stepping down from his position as a result of old
age.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on
Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President prayed that the
College of Cardinals would be able to elect a worthy successor to the
retiring Pope.
He wished him a peaceful retirement.
The statement read, “President Goodluck
Jonathan applauds the exemplary wisdom and courage shown yesterday
(Monday) by Pope Benedict XVI in his decision to voluntarily relinquish
the Papacy because of his advanced age and growing inability to keep up
with the physical and mental demands of the office.
“On behalf of himself, the Federal
Government and people of Nigeria, President Jonathan wishes the Pope a
very peaceful and restful retirement at the end of this month.
“The President trusts that even in
retirement, Pope Benedict XVI will continue to contribute to the
spiritual well-being of the world in every possible way and that he will
continue to offer prayers to God Almighty for global justice, equity,
peace and progress.
“He prays that as they prepare to
assemble in the Vatican to elect a new Pope, God Almighty will grant
members of the College of Cardinals the wisdom and divine insight they
will require to bring forth a worthy successor to Pope Benedict XVI who
will build on the outgoing Pontiff’s commendable achievements as head of
the Worldwide Catholic Church.”
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti
Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, has advised Nigerian leaders to
emulate the action of Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned from his position
due to old age.
Ajakaye said this in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while speaking with journalists.
He said, “It is lessons to all of us
that we should let go when we know that we cannot continue. He has said
that due to old age he could not continue with the rigours of coping
with the demands of office and old age. So, having studied himself, he
decided to take a noble action.
“His spirit is willing but his body is
weak in carrying on with the demands of office. He became the Pope at
78, unlike the former Pope John Pall ll, who ascended the papacy at 58,
Pope Benedict will turn 86 years later this year.”
According to Ajakaye, the insinuation
being generated by the Pope’s plan was informed by ignorance knowledge
about the church’s teachings and doctrine.
The bishop dismissed insinuation that
the Pope’s planned resignation would cause crisis, saying the church had
since the beginning put in place a succession arrangement on how a new
Popes are elected by the College of Cardinals.
Meanwhile, the bishop has advised
Christians to do away with corruption, kidnapping, and other crimes
during and after the Lenten season, which begins with the Ash Wednesday
today (Wednesday).
Ajakaye said, “It is also to reflect
through fasting, perseverance; alms giving and also to help others
especially the weak among us.”
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