The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI asked for prayers for him and for the Universal Church when he spoke to pilgrims during the Papal Audience on Ash Wednesday, February 13, 2013.
Before delivering his catechesis today, the Holy Father said the following to the faithful present:
"Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you know, I have decided [applause] Thank you for your sympathy, I have decided to give up the ministry that the Lord has entrusted to me on April 19, 2005. I did this in full freedom for the good of the Church, after having prayed at length and having examined my conscience before God, well aware of the seriousness of the act, but equally conscious of no longer being able to carry out the Petrine ministry with the strength that it requires.
I am supported and enlightened by the certainty that the Church is Christ, who will never allow it to lack his leadership and care. Thank you all for the love and prayer with which you have accompanied me. Thank you, I have felt almost physically in these days, which are not easy for me, the power of prayer that the love of the Church, your prayer, is bringing me. Continue to pray for me, for the Church, for the future Pope, who will lead us."
Source: Zenit.org
Please ready the full text of the Holy Father's Catechesis on Ash Wednesday, 13th February, 2013 on Pastoral Department Blog, Year of Faith Catechesis page.
