Church in Bangladesh respects Pope's resignation

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."