Bishop Egan: Pope Benedict's focus on the person of Jesus

(Vatican Radio) Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth in England says Pope Benedict has tried to focus us on the person of Jesus Christ, as a man of love. He spoke to Vatican Radio’s Susy Hodges.

Listen to the extended interview with Bishop Philip Egan:

Asked about his own feelings on hearing of the Pope’s decision to step down, Bishop Egan says he actually feels “almost bereaved really” but goes on to describe how the “very onerous” ministry and responsibility of being a pope helps explain why Benedict took the step he did.

This decision to step down, he continues, requires “humility, honesty and candour” which are all qualities possessed by the Pope. Philip Egan also pays tribute to the Holy Father for his "deep faith and his great intellectual gifts"and his role as a father of the Church. “He’s been like a modern St. Augustine for us,” he says.