NH Bishop Gives Thanks to Pope for Service

San Antonio Express-News
February 11, 2013

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/NH-bishop-gives-thanks-to-pope-for-service-4268476.php

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — The head of New Hampshire's Roman Catholic diocese is giving thanks to Pope Benedict XVI for his service to the church as the pope prepares to resign.

Bishop Peter Libasci (lih-BAH-she) said Pope Benedict's announcement shows how the church is a never-ending continuum. He said the pope has taught how the Church is rooted in over 2,000 years of history and how deep traditions continue to guide us forward.

The 85-year-old pope announced Monday that he lacks the strength to fulfill his duties and will resign Feb. 28, becoming the first pontiff in 600 years to do so.

Michele Dillon, a scholar of Catholicism and University of New Hampshire sociology professor, says the pope will be remembered primarily for his intellectualism and concern for the integrity of Catholic moral teaching.