February 15, 2013 - Like the rest of the world, the Catholic Church in Bangladesh
was stunned with Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement of his resignation on Monday, but
followed it up with intense prayer. While accepting the 85-year old Pope’s decision
as an “example for all”, Archbishop Patrick D'Rozario of Dhaka wished that in this
Year of Faith, Catholics show their faith and trust that the Almighty God will continue
to guide and bless the Church to overcome all kinds of difficulties. "The new Pope
should be open to dialogue with the bishops of the world," he added. Fr. Joyanto
Gomes, the director of Dhaka’s Christian Communications Centre noted that Pope Benedict
is “a great example for all, as his act of stepping down has taught us the meaning
of sacrifice and has [shown us the] emptiness of power." Andrew Anthony, a lay Catholic
said that at this time of transition Catholics must "pray even more intensely for
peace and the Church, that we may get a leader of great holiness, wisdom, compassion
and courage."